IAFF Local #742

Benevolent Boat Tour Fundraiser

The Benevolent Fund would like to thank all who supported us and had fun on the Chicago Fireboat Tours | Chicago River Tours & Fireworks Cruises on May 22nd.
It was a great time, and there were some fantastic prizes such as Bears tickets, Cubs tickets, Pappy Van Winkle bottle, Chicago Wolves and a 50/50 cash prize!  We hope you all enjoyed the Cruize and thanks to Natalie Lynch for a wonderful performance as well!

Firefighter Paramedic Greg Young promoted to Captain

The Evanston Fire Department is pleased to announce that Greg Young, a 10-year department veteran, has been promoted from firefighter/paramedic and acting fire apparatus operator to fire captain. Greg's official promotion date was December 2.

Young is a decorated firefighter. In 2022, he received the Fire Chief's Letter of Commendation for performing exceptional firefighter and paramedic work while demonstrating outstanding skill and professionalism. Greg also received the Special Recognition Award for his bravery and steadfast commitment to providing emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greg's commitment to emergency medical services is notable. He has been a state-certified paramedic for the past 12 years and has served proudly as a paramedic preceptor for seven years. As a preceptor, Greg trains new paramedics to develop their emergency medical skills and gain proficiency in the field. Greg is currently serving as EMS coordinator for the last 2 1/2 years. In this position, Young oversees logistical operations for medical equipment and ensures state compliance for EMS reporting for his assigned shift. Greg has also served on the EMS committee for nearly a decade and the standard operating guideline (SOG) committee for the past three years.

Young has been an active participant in special rescue operations and union activities. In 2022, he was the first boat operator for Marine 21 to support water rescue operations along the lakefront. Young is also a personal watercraft team member using a waverunner to conduct rescues for those in need. When he is not on the lakefront, Greg has invested considerable time as a union grievance chair and formerly as a trustee for the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Local 742.

Greg's commitment to the profession and its members is evident in his training and educational pursuits. He has completed numerous specialized rescue training, receiving certifications in rope operations, structural collapse operations, vehicle machinery operations, fire service vehicle operations, company fire officer, hazardous materials awareness, hazardous materials operations, and advanced firefighter. Young also received college credit at Waubonsee Community College in Wisconsin.

Greg served as a volunteer firefighter with Sandwich Fire Protection District for eight years and a full-time licensed paramedic for two years before starting his career in Evanston. Young spent 22 years in the building trades, specializing in framing and drywall.

Fire Chief Paul Polep commented, "Greg has been an active member of our department on so many levels, his promotion will only enhance our department and its members. I look forward to working with Captain Young as EFD continues to move forward."

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

Click HERE for the video.

Firefighter Remembrance Ceremony for William Craig and George Stiles Marks 119th Anniversary

Friday, December 13, marks the 119th anniversary of the Clayton Mark Foundry Fire. All are invited to join the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) as we dedicate a memorial to firefighters William Craig and George Stiles who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Clayton Mark Foundry Fire on Friday, December 13, 1905.

Smoke Alarm Law Began Jan. 1, 2023

Evanston Fire Fighters Support MDA

Never Forget 9/11