Firefighter Paramedic Greg Young promoted to Captain
Firefighter/ Paramedic Greg Young will be promoted to the rank of Captain, effective December 2, 2024
Capt. Matt Grizely assigned to FPB
Captain Matt Grizely will be assigned to the vacant Fire Prevention Bureau position and will report for duty in his new assignment on Monday, December 02, 2024.
Capt. Yee Retirement
After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Fire Captain Anthony Yee retired on November 1, 2024. Yee started his career in May of 2000 as a firefighter/paramedic and was promoted to fire apparatus operator in June 2012 and fire captain in November 2014.
Captain Yee is a decorated firefighter who received a Fire Chief's Letter of Commendation and Special Recognition Award. The Letter of Commendation recognizes Tony's exceptional skill and professionalism as a firefighter/paramedic. The Special Recognition Award was received for his bravery and steadfast commitment to providing emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tony was an incredible asset to the department. He served on the personal watercraft rescue team, was a self-contained breathing apparatus technician and CPR instructor, and served as a mentor to candidates new to the profession. Tony served as election chair for the AFFI Local 742 for twelve years and participated in the annual Police and Fire Grill-Off, winning two years in a row for his outstanding culinary skills.
Tony is a highly trained professional. He received his Vehicle and Machinery Operations, Vertical I, and NFPA Command and Control certifications within his first few years. Later, Tony received his Firefighter III, Fire Officer I, Hazmat Technician I and II, Hazmat Incident Command, Instructor II, Inspector I and II, Investigator, Public Educator and Life Safety Educator, Basic Fire Prevention Officer, and Safety Officer training while on the department. While in the Fire Prevention Bureau, Tony received certification in Residential and Advanced Sprinkler Plan Review, Basic Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Plan Review, and NIFSI NFPA 13 Fire Sprinkler Plan review.
Tony received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University in 2006.
Fire Chief Paul Polep commented, "Tony's retirement reflects a career of incredible service, dedication, and selflessness while on the Evanston Fire Department. Tony has been a true asset to our team, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the best outcome for our residents. On behalf of the fire department, I sincerely thank Tony for his contributions and wish him and his family a well-deserved retirement."
Shield 23 Video from WGN
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Evanston Fire Department Announces Promotion of Two Distinguished Members
The Evanston Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Howie Lakin to fire captain and FF/Paramedic Steven Wojtowycz to FAO, effective September 13, 2024.
Fire Apparatus Operator Howard Lakin will be
promoted to the rank of fire captain, effective
|
Firefighter/ Paramedic Steven Wojtowycz will be
promoted to the rank of fire apparatus |
Fire Captain Doug Lindstrom Announces His Retirement After 22 Years of Service
After 22 years of dedicated service with the Evanston Fire Department, Fire Captain Douglas Lindstrom’s last shift is sheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024. Lindstrom was hired in May 2002 and promoted to Captain in April 2014.
Please join us in congratulating Doug on all he has done for the Fire Department and 22 years of dedicated service in the City of Evanston. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement.
Firefighter Remembrance Ceremony for William Craig and George Stiles Marks 118th Anniversary
On Wednesday, December 13, at 0745 hours, the Evanston Fire Department held a remembrance ceremony for William Craig and George Stiles. Both firefighters died in the historic Clayton Mark Foundry fire in 1905 during a wall collapse.
A ceremony was held in the Valli Produce parking lot at 1910 Dempster Street. Attendees had a dedication in the northeast corner of the parking lot near the stone, which marks the location where Craig and Stiles perished on that dreadful day.
EFD Thanks Northwestern for New Fire Truck Donation
Photo by: Shane Collins/Northwestern University
The Evanston Fire Department unveiled a brand-new Pierce Enforcer Pumper Truck, made possible by an $800,000 donation from Northwestern University in 2021. In a unique expression of gratitude, the fire department has incorporated Northwestern’s distinctive purple color and some graphic branding elements into the new engine design concept.
This eye-catching fire engine, capable of holding 500 gallons of water and pumping 1,500 gallons per minute, is equipped with an array of fire gear and Advanced Life Support equipment. The significant upgrade replaces a 2003 truck, enhancing the department's capabilities in responding to various emergencies, including EMS calls, working fires, and specialized rescue incidents.
Northwestern’s long-standing support of the Evanston Fire Department dates back to 1970 with the University's first donation of a new fire engine. Over the years, this partnership has continued, with subsequent ambulance and fire engine donations, collaborative training sessions held in University facilities, and assistance from Northwestern's research and development department.
Photo by: Shane Collins/Northwestern University
A look at the project's timeline:
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Mid-2021: Councilmember Clare Kelly, Mayor Daniel Biss, and Northwestern's Senior Executive Director for Neighborhood and Community Relations Dave Davis engaged in discussions regarding the Evanston Fire Department’s need for a new fire truck due to an aging fleet and increased usage of reserves.
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Late 2021: The City accepted an $800,000 donation from Northwestern for the purchase of the new fire truck, and the City Council approved the acquisition.
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January 2022: The City of Evanston placed an order with Pierce Manufacturing Company for the new fire engine.
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February 2022: Fire Chief Polep initiated discussions on a new engine design concept with members of the fire department and Northwestern's Office of Global Marketing and Communications.
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March 2022: Fire Chief Polep hosted a meeting with Station 3 fire captains to discuss design elements.
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April 2022: Based on conversations with the Station 3 crew, designs were revised.
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May 2023: Plans were finalized by Fire Chief Polep and a signed approval for production was presented to Pierce.
"Thank you to Northwestern University for this generous and needed gift to the City's fire department," said Councilmember Kelly. "I look forward to further engagement and collaboration between Northwestern and the City of Evanston. Building and strengthening mutual support benefits both Northwestern and the City. Uplifting the spirit of partnership invigorates a true and healthy community."
Echoing this sentiment, Fire Chief Polep emphasized, "This is our way of showing gratitude to Northwestern for the continuous collaboration between our fire department and the university over the years. Painting the truck in Northwestern colors is a symbolic gesture of our shared values and partnership in ensuring the safety and security of our community. We’re proud of how it turned out.”
“The University is immensely proud of our enduring partnership with the City of Evanston," said Dave Davis, Senior Executive Director for Neighborhood and Community Relations at Northwestern. "This new fire truck, adorned with Northwestern colors, is a testament to our collaborative spirit and shared commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our entire community. As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with optimism about the future of our partnership."
The Evanston Fire Department looks forward to utilizing this new vehicle and equipment to enhance community safety, providing top-of-the-line services to the entire Evanston community.
Evanston First Responders Foundation Donations Provide Life-Saving Equipment for Evanston Fire Department
The Evanston Fire Department has received a generous donation from the Evanston First Responders Foundation (EFRF), which has purchased three LUCAS devices for each ambulance in honor of Oliver Brown Leopold.
The LUCAS device is a portable chest compression system that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest. This device is critical for the successful resuscitation of patients, as it allows first responders to maintain uninterrupted compressions, which significantly increases the patient's chance of survival.
The Evanston Fire Department is grateful for the designated funds provided by the Brown Leopold family and friends that were made to the EFRF in honor of Oliver. Adding these LUCAS devices to each front-line ambulance will enhance the department's ability to provide the highest quality care to the community. It will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the effort to save lives.
"We greatly appreciate the Evanston First Responders Foundation and cannot thank the Brown Leopold family enough for their generous donation," said Fire Chief Paul Polep. "The Foundation's commitment to our department and the community we serve is invaluable, and we are honored to receive this life-saving equipment in honor of Oliver."
The Evanston First Responders Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to first responders in Evanston. Their mission is to enhance the level of care provided to the community by providing necessary equipment and training to the police and fire departments.
New Smoke Alarm Law Begins Jan. 1, 2023
Evanston Fire Fighters Support MDA
Never Forget 9/11
Thank you for visiting EFD Local 742!
