Sam Hunter named deputy fire chief

Evanston Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky has announced the appointment of Division Fire Chief Sam Hunter as deputy chief.

Hunter will replace Deputy Chief Mike Whalen who retired from his position on Sept. 17 after 32 years of fire service.

As the deputy chief of the department, Hunter is officially second in command. He will take on the responsibility of the daily operation of the shifts, as well as continue the responsibility for training he had as division chief.

Hunter has been with the department since 1976 and has served in many capacities: firefighter/paramedic, captain, medical officer, division chief of finance, division chief of EMS, and most recently, the division chief of training.

Hunter has been in fire administration since 1987. he also serves the city as the liaison to Belize, Evanston's Sister City. He was the recipient of the F.A.A.M. Hall of Fame and the Rotary's Paul Harris Fellowship Community Awards.

Whalen has accepted a position as management analyst with the Fire Department and will continue to serve the city in this new role. As the department's management analyst, he will work with the budget process, payroll, accounts payable and receivable and the city's financial system.

A public ceremony marking Hunter's promotion will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at Fire Headquarters, 909 Lake
St.