2022 Skokie Evanston Benevolent Fund Golf Outing
Congratulations FAO Rob Byrne on retirement
Fire Apparatus Operator Rob Byrne Announces His Retirement After 20 Years of Service
After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Fire Apparatus Operator Robert Byrne retired on May 14, 2022. Byrne started his career in Evanston as a firefighter/paramedic on September 4, 2001, and was promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator on August 31, 2009.
Rob is a decorated firefighter who received the Meritorious Service Award and Chief's Letter of Commendation. The Meritorious Service Award is provided to department members involved in special projects or dedication to duty. The Chief's Letter of Commendation is a form of acknowledgment to recognize outstanding Fire and Paramedic work. Criteria for this recognition include exceptional skill and professionalism.
Rob's commitment to the profession and community is exhibited in his training and educational pursuits. He received his Fire Apparatus Operator training within his first few years on the job, with additional specialized high-intensity training and certifications in technical rescue and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Rob's commitment to the department as a member of Evanston Fire Department Local 742 was notable. For 19 years, Rob coordinated holiday charity events, raising donations to purchase food and toys through Family Focus and the Salvation Army, benefitting underserved children throughout the Evanston community. Additionally, Rob served as Union Steward and Political Action Committee Treasurer for nearly two decades.
Fire Chief Paul Polep commented, "Rob Byrne was a committed Evanston Firefighter promoted to our department's rank of Fire Apparatus Operator. Rob took a special interest in coordinating the collection and distribution of food and gifts for underserved populations in our community throughout his career. We would like to wish Rob and his family a very happy retirement and all the best with his future endeavors."
March Madness Returns!
Evanston Fire Explorer Program
The Evanston Fire Department will host an informational meeting for community members to learn more about its Fire Explorer Program on Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m., at the Evanston Fire Department Headquarters, 909 Lake Street.
The coed Fire Explorer Program launched in 2012, offering young adults from 14 to 20 years old the opportunity to work and learn from Evanston Fire Department professionals. The program meets twice a month for approximately two hours at one of the five Evanston Fire stations.
Throughout the program, participants learn about emergency protocols, firefighting procedures, and department policies, while gaining hands-on experience with real life fire and emergency medical equipment.
To learn more about the Fire Explorer Program, visit our website or join us on Wednesday at Fire Department Headquarters. If unable to attend, please contact Captain Megan Kamarchevakul for more information.
Congrats New Local #742 Member
Congrats to Local 742’s newest member, Enrique Gonzalez, on his graduation from NIPSTA’s Fire Academy. He’s pictured here (2nd from left) with some of his fellow graduates who are members of other Locals. Candidate Gonzalez’s road to becoming an Evanston Firefighter/Paramedic is just beginning. Next, he’ll start his candidate year on shift for the Evanston Fire Department. His first year will focus on training on all of the skills he’s learned in academy, along with some new ones special to the Evanston Fire Department. As he progresses, he’ll be tested on them to ensure he’s fully grasping them, and growing as a Firefighter. If he successfully completes his year of Candidacy, he’ll become an Evanston Firefighter. Following that first year, he’ll go to Paramedic school, where he’ll learn all the medical skills required of an Evanston Firefighter/Paramedic. While it will be a busy, and sometimes tough first few years, Enrique has the full support of the entire Local 742! Best of luck Candidate Gonzalez, we’re looking forward to helping you learn, grow, and succeed!
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Thank you for visiting EFD Local 742!
