Galena's local government is yet another testament to the community's dedication to its quality of life. This dedication is exemplified by the Galena Fire Department. Consisting entirely of volunteers, approximately 50 individuals maintain a legacy of community service that extends as far back as the formation of the Galena Fire Protection District in 1830. Along with the local police department (which has nine sworn officers) and the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Department (with 29 full-time deputies), the volunteer firefighters of Galena continually demonstrate their dedication not only through emergency response, but also through the sponsorship of community outreach programs such as D.A.R.E. and the annual Bicycle Rodeo. Additionally, all Jo Daviess County residents are served by nearly 40 state-certified emergency medical technicians who respond to a 911 dialing system.

Galena is governed by both elected and appointed officials. Residents elect a mayor and the six-member City Council, which in turn appoints a professional city administrator to oversee daily municipal operations. With approximately 3,500 residents, Galena is the seat of Jo Daviess County, which has a population of around 22,000. County government offices are divided between a building on Galena's Bench Street and a facility on U.S. Route 20, on the city's west side. Galena government officials regularly collaborate with county leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as county emergency services.