New Skokie Fire Chief Named

SKOKIE, IL — Jason W. Brandt of Louisville, Kentucky, has been appointed as Skokie’s new Fire Chief. Brandt, 46, presently serves as a Battalion Chief, with the rank of major, for the Louisville Fire Department in Louisville, Kentucky where he began as a firefighter in 1998.

“I am pleased to announce Jason’s appointment to this important position,” said Village Manager John Lockerby.

“Jason’s proven leadership in the fire service has protected lives and property during both fire and medical emergencies and provides a perspective that made him the ideal individual to lead the men and women of the Skokie Fire Department who dedicate their lives to protecting our community each and every day,” Lockerby said, announcing the hire.

Brandt, a 46-year-old Milwaukee native, progressed through the organization as a fire apparatus operator, company commander, intelligence liaison officer with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and, since 2012, he has held the rank of major and oversees daily and emergency operations for seven suppression companies located in five fire stations.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the Village of Skokie’s next Fire Chief,” said Brandt.“Since 1881, the Skokie Fire Department has had a history of quality customer service. As Fire Chief, I look forward to carrying on those traditions and making Skokie home for my family.”

Brandt is a trained paramedic, an instructor and subject expert in hazardous materials at the Center for Domestic Preparedness and has received numerous awards from the Louisville Division of Fire, including a Medal of Valor for a house fire with rescues.

“His broad emergency response skills will be of benefit to the Skokie Fire Department and the community,” said Lockerby.

In addition to Jason’s extensive experience in a large fire department, he has certifications from the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, Homeland Security Office for Bombing Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and more.

The Skokie Fire Department has held the distinguished Class I rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) since 1995 and, in 2001, the Department earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).

“The Louisville Fire Department also is CFAI accredited and holds an ISO Class I rating,” said Lockerby.

“Jason’s knowledge and experience with these important accreditations will be of tremendous value to Skokie in achieving continuous organizational improvement by using industry-established best practices.”

Brandt holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Biology and Environmental Studies from Cornell College, and a Master of Science degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University.

Brandt will start his tenure with Skokie on January 19, 2018.

Brandt replaces former Chief James Walters, who retired last August after two years as Skokie chief and took a job as the fire chief of Schaumburg.

He collects a $124,765 annual pension from Skokie, according to the village.

Walters replaced ex-Chief Ralph Czerwinski, now village administrator of the Village of Morton Grove, in August 2015.

» More: James Walters Promoted After 10 Years as Deputy Chief

_{Top photo: Jason W. Brandt | City of Louisville}