Northbrook Names New Fire Chief

Submitted by the Village of Northbrook

The Village of Northbrook is pleased to announce the appointment of Jose M. Torres as the new Fire Chief of the Northbrook Fire Department. Torres was selected following a nationwide search.

Chief Torres comes to Northbrook with more than 34 years of experience. He began his firefighting career with the United States Air Force serving as a Firefighter and Assistant Chief for Training. Torres served as a Firefighter, Fire Engineer and Acting Captain for the City of Ventura, California for seven years. Most recently Torres served as the Training Division Chief with the Santa Monica, California Fire Department, where he has served from 1997 to present. There Jose was hired as a lateral Firefighter and promoted to Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and eventually to his current rank of Division Chief where he also assumes the duties of Acting Fire Chief on a regular basis. Torres was also a Clinical Instructor for the UCLA Medical School Paramedic Training program for over three years during his tenure with the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Torres earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Fire and Safety Engineering and Technology, with an emphasis in Fire Protection Administration, graduating Cum Laude. He also holds two Associates Degrees and numerous certifications from the Office of the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, California State Fire Service Training, FEMA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as multiple service awards and recognitions including Firefighter of the Year with the Ventura City Fire Department and distinguished service during the Los Angeles Civil unrest of April 1992.

Torres, and his wife Leanna, will be relocating from California. He will begin his duties as Fire Chief for the Village of Northbrook on February 16.