Excerpts from vbg.org:

Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Baker to retire; Deputy Chief Kane appointed as successor

After 45 years in the fire service, Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Mike Baker has announced his retirement, effective July 14, 2024. Deputy Chief Lawrence “Larry” Kane will be appointed as Chief Baker’s successor, on the following day. 

 

Chief Baker’s career has been distinguished by a series of achievements, including his role in directing municipal emergency management services, overseeing personnel issues and labor negotiations, and coordinating fire prevention bureau activities.

 

He began as a firefighter/paramedic in Hanover Park in 1979, then joined the City of Elgin Fire Department in 1985 as a firefighter/paramedic.  Over the years he rose through the ranks to Interim Fire Chief from 2011-2012. He joined the Buffalo Grove Fire Department in 2013 as deputy chief and was promoted to Fire Chief and Emergency Management Agency Director in 2015.

 

Chief Baker served as a senior instructor at the Elgin Regional Fire Academy from 1990 to 2004, and later held positions as curriculum coordinator, fire service steering committee member, and fire science/EMS instructor at Elgin Community College between 2013 and 2016. He holds a Masters of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, Masters of Public Administration/Emergency Management from Upper Iowa University, and numerous certifications from institutions like Texas A&M and the National Fire Academy.

 

The transition comes at an exciting time for the fire department. In March 2023, the fire department became one of just 11 communities in Illinois to earn international accreditation. Kane will oversee the rebuilding of Fire Station 25, while simultaneously planning for other facility improvements required to modernize equipment and operations.

 

Deputy Chief Kane is a third-generation firefighter. His career began as a police officer before joining the Glenview Fire Department in 2001 where he rose through the ranks. He has a Bachelor’s in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.

 

Chief Kane joined the Buffalo Grove Fire Department in 2022.