Longtime Elgin firefighter and Assistant Fire Chief David A. Schmidt has been selected to replace John Fahy as the city’s new fire chief, with an official start date of Nov. 18, 2016.

Fahy announced his retirement in July to take a job with Elgin Community College. He had served as Elgin’s fire chief for nearly 30 years.

Schmidt brings 27 years of experience in the Elgin Fire Department to guide his decisions as chief. Working as an assistant fire chief during the past five years, Schmidt has been instrumental in implementing significant cost containment and efficiency measures in the Fire Department’s operations.

David A. Schmidt (CREDIT: City of Elgin)

Schmidt joined the Elgin Fire Department in 1989. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2005, and assistant chief of operations in 2011. He presently oversees the budget, personnel practices, organizational and career development, operational training, and technology advancements.

“Dave exemplifies the long-tenured ‘working managers’ with proven performance and leadership that have become a hallmark of the city’s operations,” said Rick Kozal, city manager. “Dave, along with his colleagues, have maintained high service levels for Elgin residents despite staff reductions and continuing fiscal constraints. I fully expect Dave will continue running into burning buildings once he has been sworn in as chief.”

“I am honored to work alongside the great men and women of the Elgin Fire Department,” said Schmidt. “It will be a privilege to continue leading the long-standing tradition of providing first rate service to the Elgin community by working collaboratively within the city and the region.”

Schmidt has completed his Executive Fire Officer certification through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, and received Chief Fire Officer Certification through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. He is completing his Chief Fire Officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Schmidt has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Southern Illinois University and is completing an associate’s degree in Geographical Information Systems. He has completed training at the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute.

Schmidt has been actively involved in developing an active-shooter response with the Elgin Police Department. He has performed extensive work with GIS as it relates to fire station locations projections as well as GIS analysis. He is the system administrator for the Fire Department’s portion of the Computer Aided Dispatch system and for Zoll Fire Records Management System.

Schmidt has also been appointed to the funeral committee, peer assessment committee and consulting services for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

For more information about the city of Elgin visit the city of Elgin website or call 311 (847-931-6001 if outside of Elgin)

SOURCE: city of Elgin news release

About the City of Elgin, IL

Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago and home to more than 108,000 people, Elgin is an award-winning All American City and one of the fastest-growing communities in Kane County. “The City in the Suburbs” offers exceptional opportunities that include cultural arts, entertainment and recreation. For more information, visit the city’s website or connect on Facebook, Twitter (@ElginIL), Instagram, LinkeIn, YouTube and Pinterist.