John Fahy, 49, a 23-year Elgin Fire Department veteran has been selected as Elgin’s next fire chief. Fahy is replacing Jack Henrici who retired from the department last month.
“John’s extensive fire department experience along with his grasp on government procedure makes him an excellent choice fire chief,” said Elgin City Manager Sean Stegall. “Not only does he know how to make a fire department function effectively, he also understands how the department fits within the larger goals of the City.”
Fahy is a recognized fire and paramedic expert and holds several certifications with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. He is Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certified in the Incident Command and the Incident Management Systems and holds several departmental awards including a Life Saving Award, a Distinguished Service Award and a Unit Accommodation Award. Fahy also served as a lead instructor in the Elgin Regional Fire Academy for several years.
In 2001, Fahy initiated and developed the Elgin Fire Department’s “After the Fire” program to help provide residents struggling through the aftermath of a fire with a practical guide to recovery. Over the years, it’s estimated that the program has helped hundreds of Elgin residents.
“I think the biggest challenge facing the fire department today is our ability to continue to provide the level of service residents expect within the confines of a tough economic structure,” said Fahy, who also served as president of the Elgin Association of Firefighters Local 439 for the last five years. “My goal is to ensure the safety of every single firefighter and resident.”
Fahy said he believes the department’s greatest asset is the 136 fire professionals on staff.
“Our people have been well-trained and provide a great service to the Elgin community,” said Fahy. “We have a top-notch reputation and I want to maintain that.”
Fahy also was elected as a commissioner to the Kane County Board in 2006 and honed his fiscal skills as the vice-chairman of the County’s finance committee overseeing a budget of more than $275 million. Fahy also served as the chairman of the finance committee for the Kane County Forest Preserve managing a budget of more than $63 million.
He is married and the father of three grown daughters. He holds a BS in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and two associate degrees from Elgin Community College. He will earn the same salary as the former fire chief --$150,687/annually.