Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com: Andrew Larson, a 23-year veteran of the Arlington Heights Fire Department, has been officially appointed as its new chief. The 46-year-old had been serving as acting chief since Ken Koeppen retired in November and took over the role on February 19 with a salary of $153,423. In his new position, Larson will oversee a $23 million budget, four fire stations, and 108 employees. A resident of Sycamore, Larson credits his strong sense of public service to his upbringing. “I grew up in a family of public servants. It wasn’t really a choice,†he said. His grandmothers were nurses, his aunts and uncles were teachers, and his brother served as a lieutenant in the DeKalb Fire Department. “Right after high school, I joined the Sandwich Volunteer Fire Department and followed my passion.†Larson earned an associate’s degree in fire science and worked as a part-time firefighter for the City of St. Charles before joining the Wheeling Fire Department in 1996. He left after a year to become a firefighter and paramedic in Arlington Heights, where he spent 10 years before moving into leadership roles. He later worked in public education for five years, then rose through the ranks to battalion chief and eventually deputy chief two years ago. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science management from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on strategic leadership from Northern Illinois University. Last year marked the busiest year in the department's history, with 10,329 total calls for service. Of those, 7,512 were related to emergency medical services, while 2,817 were for fire response. Larson is also looking ahead to new initiatives, such as expanding home-based medical care for residents. While still in the early stages, the goal is to reduce unnecessary hospital visits by providing care in patients' homes. The department is currently developing training programs and collaborating with local hospitals to determine which patients and procedures they will support. This process will take several years and require close communication with doctors. In addition, the department is focusing on supporting firefighters who deal with emotionally challenging calls, like those involving the loss of a child. This initiative highlights the growing emphasis on mental health and well-being within the fire service. Heat-Resistant Steel Fan,Stirring Casting Fan,Furnace Cast Fan,Cast Steel Cast Fan Taizhou Xinyuan Machinnery Co.,Ltd , https://www.xinyuanmachinery.com