Politics & Government

Village Recognizes Retiring Firefighters

Buffalo Grove will say goodbye next week to three longtime public servants.

The Village of Buffalo Grove recognized three retiring firefighters Monday who have a combined total of nearly 100 years of professional experience.

Deputy Chief Daniel Pearson, Battalion Chief Gary Belfield and Public Education Officer Arthur “Skip” Hart were lauded by Fire Chief Terry Vavra for their dedication to the . (See video.)

“These are three absolutely phenomenal firefighters, but more importantly, three phenomenal human beings that this village is going to lose,” Vavra said. “They leave behind so much of what this department now is.”

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The three received a standing ovation from those in attendance, and were also praised by the Village Board.

Pearson and Belfield were among the first full-time firefighters when the Buffalo Grove department was formed in 1981. They have served the community since 1977 and 1975, respectively.

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Hart, who was hired in 1995, was the first Buffalo Grove employee to receive the Firefighter of the Year award. He was also the first to establish a pop-up camper of fire safety education materials, which has become the standard for fire departments nationwide. He will retire May 9.


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