Story posted Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fire Dept. Marks Promotions, Newcomer
Six new and promoted firefighters were recently sworn in to their positions at a Rolling Meadows City Council meeting.
Mayor Ken Nelson administered the oaths to the six on Tuesday, Jan. 26, beginning by welcoming Firefighter Mike Neubauer to the force. Neubauer graduated from the fire academy in May 2008 and started his career as a part-time firefighter for Beecher. His father, a firefighter in Bolingbrook, pinned his badge during the ceremony.
Nelson then swore in two new lieutenants, Dave Poore and Jim Marvin. Poore has served the department since 1979 as a firefighter, paramedic, fire engineer, and acting lieutenant. His wife Denise pinned his badge. Marvin has been a member of the force since 1998 and has been a firefighter, paramedic, and fire apparatus engineer. He has also served as the CPR coordinator for six years and is part of the department's hazardous materials team. His wife Sue pinned his badge for him.
Nelson then administered oaths to three new battalion chiefs, Mike Ahlman, Marty Kerrins, and Pete Till.
Ahlman joined the Rolling Meadows force in 1995 and became a lieutenant in 2004. He has several certifications in special rescue and serves as the leader of the technical rescue team. Another second generation firefighter, his father, Bill, a retired Arlington Hts. firefighter, pinned his badge.
Kerrins started with the department in 1990 earning his lieutenant ranking in 2007. He has also been a member of the rescue team as well as the dive team. His daughter Keegan pinned his badge with help from Karen, his wife.
Till began his career in Rolling Meadows in 1980. Another dive team member, he now chairs the apparatus replacement committee. In 2005, he was among 600 firefighters who traveled to New Orleans to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. He became a lieutenant in 2007. His wife Diane pinned his badge.
"We are extremely proud of our first responders," Nelson said as he introduced the group of newly promoted firefighters.
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