Triton College’s Alumni Association Selects Westchester Trustee and FFranklin Park Battalion Chief Nicholas Steker as a 2025 Wall of Fame Inductee
RIVER GROVE, Ill. – The Triton College Alumni Association has selected Westchester trustee and Franklin Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Nicholas Steker as one of four Alumni Wall of Fame inductees. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact in their profession, community and beyond.
“Triton has been the baseline for everything that I’ve done in my life,” said Steker. “I can attribute all of my success to Triton College.”
With a self-proclaimed “service-based identity,” Steker’s passion for helping others led him to Triton’s Fire Science Program in 1997. After earning his associate degree from Triton in 1999, he was hired full time as a fire fighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Franklin Park Fire Department.
To further his education, Steker completed a bachelor’s degree in fire science management at Southern Illinois University’s satellite program held at Triton in 2004. He later earned a master’s degree in public safety administration from Lewis University in 2014.
Now in his 26th year with the Franklin Park Fire Department, Steker has climbed the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 2003 and achieving the position of battalion chief in 2023. As second in command of the 43-member department, he plays a vital leadership role.
In addition to his service as a fire fighter, Steker is an adjunct faculty member in Triton College’s Fire Science Program, mentoring students who share his call to serve.
Beyond his professional commitments, he further helps his community by serving as a Westchester trustee since 2009. He was the acting village president from 2022-2024, following the untimely passing of Westchester Village President Frank Perry.
Steker has also participated in charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the BEDs program, Christmas in Proviso, and the Westchester Food Pantry.
“A Triton education can open so many doors,” he said.
Reflecting on the Wall of Fame honor, Steker sees it as a full circle moment for him.
“I’ve grown as a firefighter and as a man, father, husband and now the ability to mentor students as an instructor,” he said. “I appreciate the recognition and leading the future generation down the same successful path.”
View a short video featuring Nicholas Steker: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2y6RPHTp7c
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Media Contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692
Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu/.