Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Mike Baker will be retiring in July after 45 years of service to the fire industry, officials said.
Baker, who joined the fire department in 2013 and was named chief in Buffalo Grove in 2015, will be retiring effective July 14, the village of Buffalo Grove said in a news release.
Buffalo Grove Deputy Fire Chief Lawrence “Larry” Kane will take over as Baker’s successor on Monday, July 15, officials said.
“I am immensely thankful for the support, camaraderie and opportunities for growth that I have experienced during my time here in Buffalo Grove,” Baker said in a news release. “I especially want to extend my deepest gratitude to the residents of Buffalo Grove, as their support and trust is the foundation upon which we provide the highest level of medical, suppression and prevention services. Working for such a wonderful community has been the high point of my fire service career and I will be forever grateful.”
Baker started as a firefighter/paramedic in the Hanover Park Fire Department in 1979 before joining the City of Elgin Fire Department in 1985, officials said.
Over the years, Baker rose through the ranks to Interim Fire Chief, which he served as from 2011-2012.
He joined the Buffalo Grove Fire Department in 2013 as Deputy Chief and was promoted to Fire Chief and Emergency Management Agency Director in 2015.
Village officials said the fire department has been preparing for the next generation of fire and EMS service. The department became one of just 11 Illinois communities to earn international accreditation.
Kane, who joined the department in 2022, will lead important initiatives including the upcoming Fire Station 25 rebuild while planning for other facility improvements required to modernize equipment and operations.
Kane started his career as a police officer before joining the Glenview Fire Department in 2001.
He joined Buffalo Grove as Deputy Chief in 2022, officials said.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University.
“I’m grateful for Chief Baker’s guidance and invaluable contributions to the Department, and I’m grateful to Village Board, staff and firefighters for your trust and support,” Kane said. “I’m honored to serve as Buffalo Grove’s next fire chief, carrying forward a legacy of professionalism and commitment to community service.”