Elmhurst appoints interim fire chief
Updated 5/6/2021 2:52 PM
Elmhurst has named an acting fire chief to replace Tom Freeman, who retired after nearly five years leading the department.
Deputy Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz has been appointed to the interim role.
Freeman bid farewell to the department at the end of April. He first took the helm in October 2016.
Freeman brought more than 44 years of experience in firefighting, coming to Elmhurst after serving as the fire chief for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District for 22 years. He also served as an assistant fire chief in Evergreen Park.
During his tenure in Elmhurst, Freeman helped roll out the department s rapid response vehicle, Rescue One, an SUV equipped with life-support equipment.
City of Elmhurst Fire Department issued the following announcement on May 5.
City of Elmhurst Fire Chief Tom Freeman has announced his retirement from the City of Elmhurst, effective April 30, 2021.
Chief Freeman assumed his role as the City of Elmhurst Fire Chief on October 10, 2016. He brought over 44 years of experience and expertise in firefighting, coming to Elmhurst after serving as the fire chief for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District for 22 years. He also served as a firefighter for the Village of Evergreen Park where he was promoted to several positions, eventually becoming Assistant Fire Chief.
During his time with the City of Elmhurst, Chief Freeman had many accomplishments, most significantly, his instrumental role in improving the Elmhurst Fire Department to an ISO Class 1 rating. He was also vital in the implementation and success of Rescue One, the department’s rapid response vehicle.