Archive for February 8th, 2017

Elgin Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

The Elgin Fire Department will host a ceremony Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way for four firefighters who were recently promoted. Three new firefighters also will be sworn in.

Robb Cagann is now an assistant fire chief, said Fire Chief David Schmidt. Cagann was one of six finalists in the city’s nationwide search to fill the assistant chief’s position. He joined the department in 1993 and spent 15 years as the training officer where he developed a skill-based training program. He served a number of years as director of the Elgin Regional Fire Academy and was also instrumental in the development of the technical rescue team for both Elgin and the region. He was recognized by the American Legion as the Firefighter of the Year in 2014.

Richard Carter was promoted to the rank of battalion chief. Carter joined the department in 1991 and spent 15 years as a paramedic and member of the technical rescue team. He serves in the training division, where he has been involved for 15 years. Carter also served as director of the Elgin Regional Fire Academy. In 2007, Carter was recognized by the American Legion as the Firefighter of the Year.

Daniel Wagner is now fire captain. He joined the department in 1996 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2004. Wagner has been a member of the water rescue team for 18 years and led the department’s water rescue team to a public safety dive championship. He helps coordinate the annual Fox River cleanup and has been a member of the department’s Honor Guard for the past 15 years. He also served as a fire academy instructor for 10 years. Wagner was recognized by the American Legion as the Firefighter of the Year in 2003.

Michael Przybylski now is a lieutenant. He joined the department in 2004 and is a leader of the department Fire Explorer program and an assistant team leader for the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System mobile field force as a paramedic. He serves on the Safety Committee and has been a member of the Rescue Task Force for active shooter incidents in conjunction with Elgin Police Department.

Justin Lee, Austin Lawrenz and Kellen Smith are becoming probationary firefighters.

thanks Dan

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Oak Forest Fire Department news

From the Oak Forest Fire Department Facebook page:

It is with a heavy heart that The Oak Forest Fire Department informs you of the passing of Retiree Lt. Leonard Bonnevier. Len passed away Monday, January 30, 2017. He was a thirty-year member of the Fire Department, having served as Chief for 2 years 1991 to 1993. Lt. Bonnevier was instrumental in formation of the Third District Fire Chiefs (MABAS24) Fire/Arson Investigation Unit. Leonard also received the OSFM Medal of Valor in recognition of his exceptional display of bravery and heroism as a firefighter in the line of duty for using his experience, training, and education in life-saving skills in the rescue of a female patient in 2006.

Oak Forest Fire Department retired Lt. Leonard Bonnevier.

Oak Forest Fire Department retired Lt. Leonard Bonnevier. Oak Forest FD photo

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North Aurora Fire Protection District news

This from Christopher Holmes:

North Aurora Fire Protection District Recently ordered a new truck. Attached is the meeting minutes from when they approved the order for Global Emergency Products for a Pierce Ladder Truck Quint

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Former Chicago firehouse for sale

Excerpts from dnainfo.com:

 The 102-year-old firehouse at 1723 W. Greenleaf Ave. is back up for grabs after the city opened the property to bids for the third time since it closed in 2009.

On Monday, the city’s Department of Planning and Development issued a request for proposals for the two-story  firehouse and the target selling price is $315,000.

The station, formerly the home of Engine Co. No. 102, has been on the market twice since it closed in 2009 following the construction of a newer firehouse.

Between 2013 and 2014, several interested parties vied for the space and Ald. Joe Moore (49th) eventually whittled down the proposals to three — a Hindu temple, a home-office space and headquarters for two economic support and social organizations — though none of the prospects came to fruition.

Shortly after it closed, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society also made a move for the property, though that plan also eventually fell through.

The 6,323-square-foot building was finished in 1915 and sits atop a 8,934-square-foot lot, and is currently zoned for residential developments, though the planning department is willing to consider requests that require zoning changes.

It’s potential use is flexible, according to the city, but “respondents must respect the existing land uses and architecture of the surrounding area when submitting proposals,” and proposals should “preserve the historically significant exterior elements and basic structure of the building.”

Among its features is a vintage air raid siren installed in 1942 and operated by a Chrysler motor known as the “1 Chrysler Victory Bell.”

thanks Dennis

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