Fire Chief To Retire, Successor Named In Buffalo Grove: Village

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Following a 45-year career, including the last nine as Buffalo Grove Fire Chief, Mike Baker is set to retire. The firefighter will call it a career officially on July 14, with Deputy Chief Lawrence "Larry" Kane set to be his successor.

"Chief Baker leaves behind a remarkable legacy by his unwavering commitment to public safety and commendable accomplishments throughout his career," Village President Eric Smith said. "Buffalo Grove is home to the best fire and EMS services you can get, and that can be attributed to Chief Baker's leadership and the incredible Department he's cultivated."

Baker joined BGFD as deputy chief in 2013 before being promoted to fire chief two years later.

"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. "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."

According to the Village, Kane "brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for firefighting to his new role." Kane is a third-generation firefighter, who began his career as a police officer before joining the Glenview Fire Department in 2001. He joined the BGFD as deputy chief in 2022, and since, "his collaborative approach, coupled with his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers."