Buffalo Grove Hires New Deputy Chief, Loses 3 to Retirement

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department welcomed its new deputy chief last week while also honoring three longtime employees as they retire.

Fire Chief Terry Vavra issued proclamations recognizing the careers of Deputy Fire Chief Doug Postma, Battalion Chief Joe Wieser Jr. and Lt. William “Kent” Brecht. Combined, the three represent 87 years of service, Vavra said. 

They represent the newest wave of retirees from the department, which has lost 479 years of experience over the last two years, Vavra said.

“That’s an average of 26 years of experience per person that’s left,” Vavra said. “It’s going to be a real interesting time for us to build up that experience again.” 

He also introduced to the village William “Mike” Baker, who has been hired to succeed Postma.

Baker comes to Buffalo Grove with 35 years of experience, including 27 years with the Elgin Fire Department, from which he retired as assistant chief.

He said he met many Buffalo Grove Fire Department employees through the Elgin Regional Fire Academy, where he was an instructor.

“The reason that this job attracted me was because the quality of the personnel that came through that academy was among the highest,” he said. “This community, this village and this fire department made a lasting impression on me, and that’s why I’m here today.”

Baker will report to work on Nov. 25.

Related: Brecht Honored for 25 Years of Fire Service