Evanston’s Deputy Fire Chief William “Bill” Muno is retiring from the department after 39 years of service, according to a Nov. 6 news release from the City of Evanston.
Muno, who joined the department in 1986 as a firefighter, was promoted three times before being sworn in as the department’s Deputy Chief in 2021. A reception and walk-out ceremony to honor Muno and his service is scheduled for Nov. 21 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the fire department’s headquarters at 909 Lake St., Evanston.
Addressing the City Council at its Nov. 10 meeting, Muno thanked his family for attending and his colleagues for their support during his career.
“It’s an amazing run that I’ve had. I can’t think of a bad day that I ever had,” Muno said. “It’s the greatest job in the world. If I could do it all over again, I would tomorrow.”
“It’s the most amazing job in the world… to be able to help people, make a difference in their lives…and go home every morning safe and sound and be with my family, who I love dearly and take care of.”
Muno started his career in the department at the firefighter rank earning $9.80 an hour. He was promoted nearly exactly a decade later to captain in 1996, and then shift chief in 2012. Public records show Muno was earning $214,997 in total compensation in 2025.
To his count, Muno served under nine fire chiefs, eight city managers and five mayors.
City Manager Luke Stowe congratulated Muno from the dais.
“Over nearly 40 years, Deputy Chief Muno became a trusted leader and a pillar within the department,” Stowe said. “Known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering loyalty, he has continually gone above and beyond, including countless hours spent off duty to improve department operations and enhance service delivery for the community.”
Stowe credited Muno’s work as part of the reason Evanston has an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible rating the Insurance Service Office can rate a fire department.
City Councilmembers lauded Muno and his career. “I’m really, truly going to miss you. You always have amazing words of wisdom,” said City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza.
“This department is an extraordinary institution that the community has so much trust and confidence in… it’s because of the culture that you’ve been a part of setting for 39 years and it’s friendly, professional, kind and damn good at fighting fires,” Mayor Daniel Biss said.
In a prepared statement shared in a news release, Fire Chief Paul Polep said, “Deputy Chief Muno has been an anchor for our department. His steady presence, leadership and commitment to excellence have shaped the Evanston Fire Department for generations. Bill devoted his career to making this department the best it can be, always prioritizing our members, our mission, and the safety of our residents. While he will be deeply missed, his impact and legacy will continue to live on in the EFD.”
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