• Feature Photo Caption: KaneComm Director Dave Farris (right) with KaneComm Deputy Director Michelle Guthrie.

If you’ve attended a recent Kane County Public Safety Committee meeting or any number of other committee meetings of late, you might have asked yourself, “Hey, who’s that guy sitting next to Michelle Guthrie?” followed closely by, “And where the heck is Brad Sauer?”

Well, to that latter question, Sauer retired in August, after serving two years as “interim” director of the Kane County Emergency Communications Department.

We put “interim” in quotes because Sauer stepped into the role somewhere around the first week of January 2013, and held the position for two years. Apologies from Kane County Connects, because we should have done a story celebrating Sauer’s retirement and the many contributions he made during his tenure.

That’s water under the bridge, of course, but we can celebrate the arrival of (insert flugelhorn fanfare here) Dave Farris, the “new” and not “interim” director of the KaneComm 911 call center. (“New” is in quotes because he started in August, and we’re just getting around to writing this story.)

Like his predecessor, Farris has an impressive public safety background. Most recently, he served more than eight years as director of communications for KenCom Public Safety Dispatch, the 911 emergency communications counterpart in neighboring Kendall County.

Prior to that, he served 33 years in multiple job descriptions with the Carol Stream Fire District, with the penultimate role of deputy fire chief.

Instead of the usual yadda yadda, we thought we’d introduce you to Dave with a little profile Q&A.

MEET DAVE FARRIS

Position: Executive Director Kane County Emergency Communications (KaneComm)

What do you think is the No. 1 challenge facing KaneComm at this time?

Keeping up with staffing and technology.

What would you like to accomplish during your time as KaneComm director?

To leave KaneComm better than when I started. To develop staff and make much needed improvements in technology to make KaneComm more effective and efficient at delivering service to the citizens we serve.

What’s the most-fun part of your job?

The people.

Why did you choose emergency service as a profession?

Ever since I was very young, I always wanted to be a firefighter.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Camping, boating and spending time with the family.

Where did you grow up?

Unincorporated Lombard.

Pets?

One. Our Dachshund puppy “Wrigley.”

First job?

Working for family assembling emergency equipment in our garage.

How many children do you have?

Two.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Butter Pecan.

Words of wisdom?

There is a difference between knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing.