Video: Bird Named Firefighter of the Year

Glenn Bird was recognized as Buffalo Grove’s Firefighter of the Year Monday when village officials publicly honored him for his efforts. 

He is the fifth recipient of the award, which is presented by the Buffalo Grove Fire Department and the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club. Each year, firefighters are invited to nominate colleagues for the award.

Bird, the department’s assistant coordinator for emergency medical services and a preceptor who teaches new paramedics, was recognized for his work in training paramedics.

“Glenn makes sure everybody understands what the right answer to the question is, and that’s not an easy thing to do with some of the (test) questions,” Fire Chief Terry Vavra said. “He helps a lot of students get through.”

“To a person that had been through Glenn’s tutelage, they are better paramedics and we are safer because of his time,” he added.”

Bird’s name has been added to the Firefighter of the Year plaque at the fire station. He also received a trophy, a certificate and a Firefighter of the Year medallion.

The award also comes with a $250 donation to the Rotary International Foundation and a $250 donation to his chosen charity. The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club will provide both donations in Bird’s name.

While accepting the award Monday night, Bird thanked the Rotary Club and fire department staff.

“We work as a team and none of these things could have happened without every member’s help and support,” he said.

Village President Jeff Braiman thanked Bird and his colleagues for their service to Buffalo Grove.

“You’re just one of many people that we rely on heavily and we respect tremendously,” he said. “We are very proud to have such a great, outstanding fire department and firefighters as well.”