Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Schaumburg Fire Chief Dave Schumann has announced he will retire at the end of August after serving 42 years in the fire service, 38 of them spent in Schaumburg and 18 as the department’s chief.
Schumann was hired by the Schaumburg Fire Department in 1979, and he rose through the ranks by being promoted to lieutenant in 1986, captain in 1991, and deputy chief in 1993. When former Chief Ed Lacey retired, Schumann was appointed acting chief in October 1998 before being appointed chief in February 1999.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Schumann saw the department through a variety of capital building projects including the construction of two new fire stations, major reconstruction and expansion of two others, and construction of a dedicated Emergency Operations Center.
He increased education requirements for fire department applicants and firefighters seeking promotion; helped the department transition to a regional 911 Center at Northwest Central Dispatch; and expanded emergency medical services by implementing advanced life support capabilities on all firefighting vehicles.
Schumann also spearheaded fire code upgrades including mandatory fire alarm upgrades and sprinkler system installation in older high-rise buildings; mandatory sprinkler system installation in nearly all classifications of new buildings, including single family dwellings.
New programs that developed under his watch include fire company inspections of businesses in their response districts, mandatory fitness training for firefighters, and an expansion of public education programs, primarily for senior citizens. He also initiated the process currently underway for the department to receive agency accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
The village will commence a comprehensive recruitment process to find Schaumburg’s new fire chief, which may span a period of several months. Schumann’s last day with the village will be Friday, Aug. 25.
thanks Dennis
