Excerpts from the Chicago Tribune about the new fire chief for the Northbrook Fire Department
Jose M. Torres, 52, … from the Santa Monica (Calif.) Fire Department … a 34-year firefighting veteran. His first day with [the] Northbrook Fire Department is Feb. 16… as chief of the Northbrook Fire Department.
Torres’ appointment was announced by the village last week after a nationwide search that drew 50 candidates. Torres’ fire service career began in Illinois with the United States Air Force, where he served as a firefighter and assistant chief for training. He spent the past 18 years with the Santa Monica Fire Department as a firefighter, paramedic, fire captain, battalion chief, and most recently a training division chief.
Torres said there are many similarities between the Northbrook and Santa Monica fire departments in size, scope and history, with both being more than 100 years old. Although he was hesitant to comment on any initiatives before starting his new role, Torres said he is confident in taking over for 30-year veteran Mark Nolan, who retired as chief of the department last November.
Torres said that it’s tough coming in from the outside, but he’s confident he can apply the lessons he learned over the last 34 years to his new job in Northbrook.
Northbrook village officials declined to comment for this story, but confirmed Torres’ annual salary will be $145,000.
