At the Monday, December 17, 2018, Skokie Village Board meeting, Skokie Fire Captain Kathleen Furgala was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in a ceremony that also included the promotions of Lieutenants Stephen Jagman and Mark Larson to the positions of Fire Captain. Furgala, who joined the Skokie Fire Department in 1995 as the Department’s first female fighter, will now serve as the Department’s first female Deputy Chief.
“The promotion of these three dedicated firefighters represents the continuing excellence of the Skokie Fire Department,” said Village Manager John T. Lockerby. “As was evidenced by the abundance of Fire Department personnel who were present at the swearing-in ceremony, these promotions are well-deserved as they recognize Deputy Chief Furgala and Captains Jagman and Larson for their many years of dedicated service to the community.”
The Skokie Fire Department has held the distinguished Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) since 1995. Most insurers use ISO and their Public Protection Classification for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial property insurance rates. Fire departments can receive any rating from 1, which is the best, through 10, which is the lowest. A fire department must meet ninety percent of the ISO standards to achieve or retain the Class 1 rating. The ISO team last conducted an evaluation of the Skokie Fire Department in April 2016, with the next ISO evaluation set to occur in 2020. The Skokie Fire Department also holds accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, having earned this credential in 2001.
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“This premier level of protection is only possible through outstanding teamwork,” said Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoeflich. “I congratulate Deputy Chief Furgala, Captain Jagman and Captain Larson on their promotions, and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Skokie Fire Department’s outstanding staff as we continue to serve and protect the residents and businesses in Skokie.”
“I am truly honored by this promotion and the trust placed in me by Mayor Van Dusen and the Village Board, Village Manager Lockerby, Interim Chief Hoeflich and Board of Fire and Police Commissioners,” said Deputy Chief Furgala. “Captains Jagman, Larson and I, along the rest of the Skokie Fire Department’s outstanding staff, face each day ready for any challenges that come our way as we serve the community.”
