The Evanston Fire Department has announced the promotion of five distinguished members of the department along with the addition of one new member. Members were sworn in at a formal recognition ceremony on July 29 at Fire Station 3. Those receiving recognition are listed below:
F.A.O. Stephen Barlock promoted to the rank of Fire Captain, effective May 11, 2020. Captain Barlock is a 12-year veteran of the department and is a member of the EFD Honor Guard.
F.A.O. Jason Hays promoted to the rank of Fire Captain, effective May 11, 2020. Captain Hays is a 14-year veteran of the department. He was instrumental in the creation of the Evanston Community Health Outreach (ECHO) program, which provided patient centered health care to the City’s most vulnerable residents.
FF Brendan Collins promoted to the rank of F.A.O., effective May 11, 2020. F.A.O. Collins is a 10-year veteran who has has served proudly as a paramedic preceptor and as a shift EMS Coordinator.
FF Chris Weglarz promoted to the rank of F.A.O., effective May 11, 2020. F.A.O. Weglarz is a 10-year veteran and is a member of the Evanston Fire Department Underwater Rescue Dive Team.
FF Brandon Gatewood promoted to the rank of F.A.O., effective June 8, 2020. FAO Gatewood is a 13-year veteran who has served as a Paramedic Preceptor, a member of the training committee and longtime member of the MABAS Division 3 Hazardous Materials Team.
FF Candidate Max Quinnett joined the department on May 11, 2020 from the Grayslake and Antioch Fire Departments. He is a state certified Advanced Operations FF, Fire Apparatus Engineer and Paramedic.
Fire Chief Brian Scott commented “With these promotions, each of these members are taking on critically important leadership positions in the department. Their willingness to have a more positive impact on the department and the community we proudly serve is a testament to their dedication. Given their extensive experience and training, I know each will be up for the challenge and will serve as an excellent example to our newest member.”