Highland Park Names New Fire Chief

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — With the retirement of Chief Dan Pease next month, Deputy Chief Larry Amidei will become Highland Park's chief, the city announced. Amidei has worked for the Highland Park Fire Department for nearly 30 years.

During that time he has served as the department’s CPR/first aid director, medical director, safety officer, accreditation manager, national fire department peer Reviewer, and chief of the MABAS Division 3 joint fire investigation team, according to a news release.

“Deputy Chief Amidei brings to the position a wealth of institutional knowledge, experience, and an extraordinary commitment to the Department and the City,” said City Manager Ghida Neukirch. “He is a respected leader who will continue to provide exemplary service to the community.”

“I appreciate the confidence the city has placed in my ability and am excited to continue our tradition of excellence,” said Amidei. “It is an honor to bring my passion for the fire service to this new role as I lead a well-respected, accredited department in the City I love.”

In 1999, Amidei was promoted to lieutenant. In 2008, he was named battalion chief, and he has been serving as Deputy Chief since 2015, according to the city.

He has also worked for 13 years as a risk manager and safety coordinator for the Park District of Highland Park.

Prior to starting at the Highland Park Fire Department, Amidei spent seven years with the now-defunct Highwood Fire Department.

Amidei, Highland Park High School graduate, has a bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, a master’s in business and public administration and attended the National Fire Academy in Maryland for staff and command school.

Amidei is also one of an elite group to receive the international designation of chief fire officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Amidei will serve as Highland Park’s Fire Chief beginning on March 2. Retiring Chief Dan Pease will be recognized at the February 26 City Council Meeting for more than 30 years of service with the Highland Park Fire Department.

» via the City of Highland Park