In a recent announcement from the Chicago Tribune, Andrew Larson has officially taken over as the new chief of the Arlington Heights Fire Department. With 23 years of experience under his belt, Larson, now 46, transitioned into the role permanently on February 19th. His annual salary for managing the $23 million budget, overseeing four fire stations, and leading 108 personnel is set at $153,423.
Originally from Sycamore, Larson's commitment to public service stems from his upbringing in a family deeply rooted in it. “It wasn’t something we talked about; it was just expected,†he recalled, mentioning his family’s diverse roles as nurses, teachers, and even fellow firefighters. His own journey began shortly after high school when he joined the Sandwich Volunteer Fire Department.
After earning an associate’s degree in fire science, Larson worked as a paid on-call firefighter for the City of St. Charles. In 1996, he joined the Wheeling Fire Department but moved to Arlington Heights a year later. Over time, he advanced through the ranks, starting as a firefighter and paramedic before becoming a lieutenant and eventually a battalion chief. Two years ago, he was promoted to deputy chief.
Larson holds both a bachelor’s degree in fire science management from Southern Illinois University and a master’s in public administration from Northern Illinois University, specializing in strategic public management and leadership.
Last year marked the busiest period for the department, handling 10,329 service calls—7,512 of which were emergency medical services (EMS) related, while the remaining 2,817 involved fire incidents. One emerging initiative in Arlington Heights aims to deliver medical care directly to residents’ homes, reducing unnecessary trips to hospitals. This approach requires extensive training and collaboration with local hospitals to tailor care plans for specific patient needs, with communication between responders and doctors expected to evolve over several years.
Additionally, the department is focusing on mental health support for its firefighters, particularly following traumatic events like the loss of a child. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to enhancing both operational efficiency and staff well-being.
Looking ahead, Larson remains optimistic about Arlington Heights' future, emphasizing teamwork and innovation as key drivers for success. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the department, as it continues to adapt to modern challenges while honoring its long-standing tradition of excellence.
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