Frequently Asked Questions

The Supervisor receiving the complaint determines the type of complaint and the conduct involved. First-line Supervisors handle certain types of complaints, while others are investigated by Command Staff.

Generally, First-line Supervisors address complaints regarding discourteous service and failure to take appropriate action. As the complainant, you will be contacted in reference to the specifics of your complaint. The First-line Supervisor will attempt to handle this matter at his/her level. Once resolved, a record of the complaint and the action taken is made by the Supervisor and forwarded to the appropriate Division Commander.

More serious complaints, such as excessive force, criminal conduct, corruption, or ethics violations, are forwarded to the Chief of Police who assigns a Command Staff Officer to investigate the complaint.

Yes. It’s for Wheeling residents only and the Special Car Seat Install line is: 847-459-2950.
 Please note: Inspections are only done on the 1st Wednesday of the month (8am -10am) and the 3rd Wednesday of the month (5pm-7pm).

Visit: https://www.wheelingil.gov/194/Child-Safety-Seats for more information.

Under normal conditions, water from the public water distribution system (the “public system”) flows into plumbing inside a home or business. When backflow occurs, the water flows from the plumbing in the home or business back into the public system.

Backflow occurs when the water pressure in the home or business is higher than the pressure in the public system. This condition can be caused by a drop in water pressure in the public system or by an internal home or business piping system that operates at higher pressures than that of the public system.

A cross-connection is a connection between the public system and a source of non-potable (not safe to drink or contaminated) water or other fluid. If such a connection is not properly controlled, and a backflow occurs, contaminants could make their way from a non-potable source into the public system.  Because of the risk of contamination, such non-potable systems typically require the installation and proper maintenance of a backflow prevention assembly. 

Examples of common cross connections are:

- Commercial kitchen equipment

- Commercial laundry equipment

- Fire suppression systems

- Lawn sprinkler systems

- Outdoor pools

A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device that prevents water from flowing backwards. The common assembly types are a testable dual-check valve (DCV) and a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve.

Assemblies must be tested when installed and once a year thereafter.

Any plumber or plumbing contractor licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), who is also a Certified Cross Connection Device Inspector (CCCDI), as recognized by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), is acceptable.

The Village has hired BSI, Inc. (“BSI”) to manage the Village’s backflow inspection program, including maintaining the yearly inspection records. Due to the large number of assemblies in the Village, it is more efficient to have an outside contractor with a specialization in managing such systems, like BSI, to manage the program. BSI will contact registered assembly owners to inform them when the annual inspection is required.

To change the contact name or telephone number for a backflow prevention assembly, the water service customer or property owner should contact BSI at 888-966-6050.

The CCCDI, described above, is responsible for returning the original, signed test reports to BSI, either by regular mail or through an email attachment. The test reports must be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the test date. The CCCDI should provide the water customer with proof that the forms have been submitted to BSI as required.

If an assembly fails, it must be repaired or replaced. Replacement of an assembly requires a plumbing permit from the Village’s Community Development Department which can be contacted at 847-459-2620, and can only be done by a licensed Illinois plumber or plumbing contractor (Section 16.2.010 of the Village Code).

An application for a building/plumbing permit and a plumber letter of intent can be found at the following web addresses:

     https://www.wheelingil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/131/Application-for-Building-Permit-PDF

     https://www.wheelingil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/150/Plumber-Letter-of-Intent-PDF

If assembly test results are not received by the required due date, the Village, through BSI, will send the water customer/property owner a second notice requiring testing within 30 days. If the water customer does not have the backflow prevention assembly tested, further enforcement actions will be undertaken, including:

• the issuance of citations (Section 13.04.290 of the Village Code), with a minimum fine of $35 and a maximum fine of $500 per day (Section 1.04.035 of the Village Code); and
• and/or the termination of water service until the required actions have taken place. (Section 16.2.050 of the Village Code)

No, the removal, replacement, or relocation of an existing backflow prevention assembly, requires a plumbing permit from the Community Development Department, and can only be performed by a licensed Illinois plumber or plumbing contractor.

.If you would like to synchronize the test due dates for several assemblies on numerous water meters, whether located inside the same building, or inside multiple buildings, or located on multiple properties, please contact BSI at 888-966-6050.

Most cross connections are observed by the Village during inspections associated building permits or business license applications, however, the Village also conducts periodic surveys to identify and eliminate possible sources of cross connections to help ensure the safety of the public water supply. The information collected through the surveys helps to identify where backflow prevention devices may be needed as well as providing information on existing devices that may not have been previously submitted to BSI.

It is the responsibility of the water customer or property owner to pay for the annual testing and any required repairs to the backflow device.

If you have any questions regarding the backflow prevention program, please call the Utility Division of the Public Works Department at 847-279-6924.

Backflow prevention is required by federal, state and local regulations, as summarized below:

• Federal: Safe Drinking Water Act (1974, amended 1986 and 1996) and Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986.
• State of Illinois: in Title 35 (Environmental Protection) , Subpart 653.H. (Cross Connections) of the Illinois Administrative Code.
• State of Illinois: in Title 77 (Public Health), Part 890 (Illinois Plumbing Code) of the Illinois Administrative Code
• Local: Wheeling Municipal Code (Titles 13 and 16)

Based upon general travel conditions, proximity to the village, and the need to quickly return ambulances to the community, Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview have been chosen as the department’s designated receiving hospitals.  Both of these hospitals are classified as Level II trauma centers and are capable of handling a wide variety of medical situations 24/7.  While patients and their families may often be given a choice between these hospitals in which to be transported to, the ultimate decision as to where a patient will be transported to is up to the attending paramedic on the call, based upon the specific medical needs of the patient and/or available appropriate medical services at a particular hospital (ex. stroke center). 

In cases of severe trauma and upon approval of the emergency room physician, patients are taken to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge or Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, since they are Level I trauma centers. These hospitals are set up to handle the most severe trauma patients 24/7.

Patient's who request transportation to any other area hospital is performed by private ambulance service and is at the sole expense of the patient. Depending upon the medical condition of the patient, paramedics may standby on the scene until the arrival of the private ambulance and proper transfer of the patient.  In these situations, the patient will be required to sign a release of service form.

Occasionally, a particular hospital may be placed on "by-pass" status due to patient overload or other extenuating circumstances within the hospital.  In these situation, the paramedics will be directed by the hospital emergency room physician to take the patient to another regional hospital which may be further away from the Village.  This same situation can occur during incidents involving multiple patients (i.e. mass casualty incidents).   Diverting of patients may occur once the ambulance has left the incident scene and is already en route to the hospital.  While not the intent, this may result in some confusion for relatives of the patient thinking that the patient went to a particular hospital and ended up at another. Unfortunately, once the ambulance has left the incident scene and personnel are focusing their attention on the patient, they will not be able to call relatives to advise them of this change in most cases.

Yes, the current fee is based upon an average of regional ambulance service rates and varies based upon the overall complexity of the medical services provided. Patients who refuse service and are not transported to a local hospital are not charged for the service.  However, fees are charged for individuals who utilize the Fire Department's services for invalid assists (ex. lifting off of the floor) and have no medical basis for their call for emergency service. Ambulance fees are charged regardless if the patient is a resident or non-resident of the community.

A third party billing company, hired by the Village of Wheeling, handles billing for ambulance service. Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Part B, and/or private medical insurance payments are accepted as payment in full for all charges. Patients are responsible for paying any amount of the ambulance bill that is applied to their insurance deductible or any amount not covered by an insurance settlement, much like a standard physician's fee. Ambulance fees cannot be waived for those individuals who choose to not have medical insurance or who choose to purchase medical insurance policies with high deductibles  These are personal choices and therefore, the individual is solely responsible for their ambulance bill.  Ambulance bills are charged to patients receiving medical care by the Fire Department regardless of who specifically calls for ambulance service.

For questions regarding medical billing, contact the telephone number that appears on your bill or call the Fire Department at 847-459-2662 (M-F; 08:00 am - 04:30 pm).

Copies of fire and/or ambulance reports can be obtained from Fire Administration Office, 499 South Milwaukee Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding recognized holidays), 72 hours after the incident occurred.

Copies of ambulance reports are only released to the actual patient, legal guardian, documented relative (such as a spouse or parent),or by legally executed subpoena.  Ambulance reports will not be released as part of a Freedom of Information Act (I.e. FOIA) request due to Federal laws regarding patient confidentiality.

All shift personnel are cross-trained as firefighter/paramedics. On those calls that may be life-threatening (for example, chest pains, car accidents, stroke, unconscious patients, etc.), a fire engine is dispatched to provide additional manpower needed to initiate advanced life support treatment. If they are not needed, the fire engine is released from the call.

In addition, the fire engines carry the same paramedic equipment as an ambulance, but cannot transport patients. In those rare cases where an ambulance is not immediately available, the personnel from the fire engine can still initiate paramedic services, prior to the arrival of an ambulance on the scene.

Smoke detectors typically last up to ten (10) years.  As they reach the end of their useful life, they will typically "beep" and will not stop "beeping" even if new batteries are installed.  Most smoke detectors also have a manufacture date sticker on the inside battery compartment or on the bottom plate of the smoke detector.  New smoke detectors come with ten (10) year long-life batteries installed which cannot be changed and when the battery is depleted, it is time to replace the entire smoke detector assembly.  Starting in 2023, only ten (10) year life smoke detectors with sealed battery chambers may be sold and installed in the State of Illinois.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors have a shorter life span - typically five (5) years.  When they reach the end of their useful life, they typically go into "alarm" and will not stop, even if reset and/or new batteries are installed. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors typically have a manufacture date sticker on the inside battery compartment or on the bottom/backside plate of the detector. 

When replacing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, look for units that have been independently tested and have either the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal or Factory Mutual (FM) seal.  Smoke detectors should be installed (as a minimum) on every floor and inside every bedroom of your home.Smoke detectors with both ionization and photoelectric sensors (i.e. dual sensors) provide the most protection.  Don’t put smoke detectors in your kitchen or bathrooms, since cooking smoke and/or moisture will cause false activation of the detector.  The Fire Department recommends selecting a CO detector unit with a digital read-out for easy of use.  Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors can be purchased regionally at Wal-Mart, Target, ACE Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes. The Fire Department does not routinely sell or provide smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors to residents.  Occasionally, these devices may be available free of charge through special grants received from time to time by the Fire Department and information regarding these special events will be listed in the Village newsletter.

In rental properties, it is the responsibility of the landlord to provide and maintain working smoke detectors 

The open burning of garbage, refuse, litter, waste paper, cardboard, plastic, landscape waste, leaves, construction debris, treated lumber, pallets, flammable and/or combustible liquids, wet or damp wood, and/or unseasoned wood are prohibited by both the Village's Municipal Code and Fire Code. Individuals in violation are subject to being issued citations and fines.  Repeat offenders are subject to additional legal action by the Village.  

Recreational fires using portable fireplaces at single family homes and townhomes are permitted as long as they are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, are not operated within 15 feet of any structures or combustible materials, and only clean, seasoned (i.e. dry) wood is used as the fuel source. Recreational fireplaces used near townhomes may be subject to additional restrictions based upon their particular homeowners association. All recreational fires must be constantly attended and must either have a nearby fire extinguisher, bucket of water, and/or a garden hose. Disputes between neighbors regarding portable fireplaces should be worked out between neighbors and not by calling the Fire Department or the Police Department unless there is a clear and present danger.

Bonfires are strictly prohibited except for public events and only with pre-approved permits and the fire department on standby.

Typically, lock-outs are not an emergency situation and are more of an inconvenience.  As such, the Fire Department does not typically handle lock-outs and individuals should contact a locksmith, landlord, or property manager for assistance.  Only in very extreme circumstances where a possible emergency may exist will the Fire Department respond to requests involving lock-outs.  Any property damage as a result of the Fire Department attempting to resolve a lock-out situation are solely the financial responsibility of the property owner and/or tenant. 

Barbecue grills are prohibited on all balconies unless it is fully protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the grill is fueled by propane gas with a cylinder size no greater than 2 1/2 pounds (i.e. small cylinder). Additional regulations may apply based upon the individual tenant lease and/or the homeowners association rules and regulations.  Occupants are strongly encouraged to utilize amenities provided by their individual complex for outside recreational cooking.

Storage of propane cylinders and/or barbecue grills, regardless of size, are not permitted to be stored in the common building tenant storage rooms/closets or common tenant parking garages.

Each fire department in the country is evaluated by an independent agency known as the "Insurance Services Organization (ISO)." This evaluation takes into consideration the department’s equipment, staffing levels, communications network, training, and Village water supply system. Based upon points obtained in all areas of the evaluation, the fire department is then placed in one of 10 categories with a "Class 1" being the best. Based upon the category assigned, fire insurance rates paid by residents and businesses are then determined by each private insurance company.

The Wheeling Fire Department's Class 2 rating places the department in the top 3 1/2% of all fire departments nationwide. Wheeling’s Class 2 rating is extremely good and homeowners, as well as local businesses, benefit from relatively low fire insurance rates. Residents and businesses are encouraged to discuss the fire department's ISO rating with their property insurance company to make sure they are getting all the premium discounts they deserve. The Fire Department was last evaluated and classified by ISO in 2017 and is re-evaluated approximately every ten (10) years.

Builders and/or developers needing a fire hydrant flow test in order to design their project or upgrade their existing fire sprinkler system can schedule this test by calling the on-duty Battalion Chief at (847) 459-2664.  Flow tests need to be schedule a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours in advance and are subject to weather conditions.  Flow tests will only be completed if the outside temperature is thirty-five (35) degrees and rising, in order to avoid ice accumulating on the pavement.

No.  Due to the quantity of professional certifications required for our personnel being cross-trained as both a firefighter and a paramedic, as well as the number of specialty training/certification requirements (ex. hazardous materials, technical rescue, airport firefighter, etc.), all emergency response personnel are full-time employees. Individuals who are interested in becoming a full-time firefighter/paramedic with the Wheeling Fire Department should review the information contained on the Fire Department's main web page.

Yes, classes are held several times throughout the year at Fire Station 24, 499 South Milwaukee Avenue. A moderate fee is charged to cover the cost of the instructor(s), training supplies, and certification. Click Here to enroll in a CPR class. For more information call 847-459-2662, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yes, visitors are welcome anytime between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to availability of personnel due to emergency calls, training, etc. For groups larger than ten (10) or for station tours during the evening hours, we ask that reservations be made.  Reservations can be made by calling 847-459-2662, in advance, Monday - Friday, 08:00 am to 04:30 pm.

No, due to security reasons, these items are not released to non-Wheeling Fire Department personnel.  While this has not occurred involving the Wheeling Fire Department, these types of items have unfortunately been misused by other individuals involving other fire departments throughout the country.  Wheeling Fire Department patches and logos are our "brand" and we take our identity very seriously.  We apologize to those individuals who are serious patch collectors for this inconvenience.

If the source of the backup / blockage is located in a Village-maintained public sewer line, it will be corrected by Village crews.

If the source of the backup/blockage is found to be in the private sanitary service line, you will be notified of its location and instructed to call a private plumbing service. All costs relating to repairs and maintenance of private sanitary service lines are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Yes, you may apply for this permit at the Community Development Department. A copy of the plat of survey of the subject property and a cost estimate from your contractor are required. The permit fee is $56.25.  Contractors are required to post a $10,000 surety bond with the Village. Homeowners acting as their own contractor must post a parkway restoration deposit check in the amount of $1,000 as guarantee that any public right-of-way damage resulting from the construction will be restored upon completion of the work. If no damage is incurred, the deposit will be returned in the full amount.

An official determination by the Village will be made upon receipt of an Application for Floodplain Map Determination by the Engineering & Capital Projects Division. Maps are available for public viewing at the Village Hall, Community Development Department (2 Community Boulevard), and Indian Trails Public Library (Reference Department, 2nd floor). The fee for this service is $38.75. For more information call 1-847-459-2620.

If you are selling your property:
Notify the Village. Fill out an application for real estate transfer. Final water reading will be done electronically 2 business days before closing. Final bill and all amounts owed to the Village need to be paid before receiving the transfer stamp on the original deed. The original deed can be brought into Village Hall or mailed for the transfer stamp. There is no fee for the transfer stamp.

If you are purchasing a property:
New owner information is given to the Village from the seller. They bring the deed into Village Hall for the transfer stamp. Please call/email to verify that we have the correct spelling and contact information after your closing date.

If you are a renter and moving out:
Fill out a service termination form. This form includes move out date, forwarding address and contact information. Rental deposit will apply to the final bill. The credit or final bill will be mailed to the forwarding address.

If you are a renter and moving into a property
Fill out rental deposit application. Bring in or mail completed form with a copy of the lease, deposit ($100.00 deposit for residential and commercial properties and $200.00 deposit for industrial properties) and copy of driver’s license or identification.

Contact Water Billing for information about moving in or out of properties. 

Call (847) 459-2607 or email waterbilling@wheelingil.gov

The Village of Wheeling accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Click here to pay your water bill online.

The Village does not have a real estate transfer tax; however, anyone who sells or transfers real estate must present the original deed at the Finance Department counter in order to obtain a Real Estate Transfer Stamp. All water, sewer, garbage fees, outstanding tickets, and penalties related thereto must be paid in full before a Real Estate Transfer Stamp is issued onto the original deed. The requirement to obtain a real estate transfer stamp applies to all property owners in Wheeling including condominium owners who pay for water, sewer and garbage service indirectly through their monthly assessments. Note: This requirement also applies to re-finance, quit claim deeds, and transfer of ownership to a trust. (Section 15.10 of the Wheeling Municipal Code).

Yes, download the PassportParking app on your phone or sign up at their website.  You may contact the Passport company at 704-837-8066.

You can register to vote at the Cook County Clerk's website

Yes.

Yes, the Village offers a discount program administered by the Social Services Division of the Wheeling Police Department.

Complaints are anonymous if they are reported through our CODE ENFORCEMENT HOTLINE: Call 1-847-459-2633 (CODE)

Per Chapter 8.60.035 of the Wheeling Village Code, persons under the age of twenty-one are subject to a fine up to five hundred dollars under this Chapter, of the Village of Wheeling for purchasing any tobacco product, or for misrepresenting their age for the purpose of purchasing or obtaining any tobacco product.  Click here to see Warning to Minors signage.

The Village of Wheeling maintains a comprehensive Community Resources List that includes information about local and regional services available to residents. This guide covers food assistance, legal services, housing support, mental health resources, financial assistance programs, and much more.

You can access this information on our website: Community Resources List or by contacting our Social Services Division at 847-459-2606. Our social workers are available to help you navigate these resources and find the specific assistance you need.

While the Village does not provide direct financial assistance, our Social Services Division is here to help connect you with organizations and programs that do. Our experienced social workers work one-on-one with residents to identify available resources, complete applications, and access assistance programs tailored to your specific situation. We help guide you through the various financial assistance options available in our community and region.

Several organizations in our community provide rental and utility assistance to residents facing financial hardship. Our Social Services team maintains up-to-date information on these resources and can help you determine which programs you may qualify for and assist with the application process.

For immediate assistance:

• Review our Community Resources list
• Call Social Services at 847-459-2606 to speak with a social worker
• Email us at humanservices@wheelingil.gov

We're grateful for residents who want to give back to our community. There are many wonderful organizations doing important work in Wheeling and the surrounding area. Here are some ways you can get involved:

HandsOn Suburban Chicago: https://handsonsuburbanchicago.org/
Wheeling Helping Hands: Contact Dave at 847-942-9580 for more information.
Rotary Club of Wheeling: https://www.rotaryclubofwheeling.org/
Journeys the Road Home: https://www.journeystheroadhome.org/

Absolutely not. All services provided by the Village of Wheeling Social Services Division are completely free of charge. This includes consultations with our social workers, resource navigation assistance, advocacy support, and connection to community programs.

Our services are available to:
• All Village of Wheeling residents, regardless of circumstances
• Victims of crimes that occurred in Wheeling

There are no fees, no charges, and no costs for any of our services.

Yes. We are committed to serving all members of our community in the language they are most comfortable speaking.

•  All Social Services staff members are bilingual in English and Spanish (Se habla Español)

•  For residents who speak other languages, we utilize Professional Language Line interpretation services, which provide access to interpreters in over 200 languages

Our Social Services team is available to help you during the following hours:

•  Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM
•  After-Hours Crisis Support: Available 24/7 through the Wheeling Police and Fire Departments

We offer services by phone, email, or in-person appointment at the Wheeling Police Department.