Quinn retiring from Deerfield fire district

The longtime chief of the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department is retiring next month, officials announced Monday.

Chief James Quinn, who’s served with the department for 41 years and led it for the last 21, will end his public safety career Sept. 15.

Quinn is one of the longest-serving chiefs in Lake County.

He could not be reached for comment.

Quinn joined the department in 1970 as a firefighter. He previously had been a volunteer firefighter in Highwood.

He was promoted to deputy chief in 1980 and chief in 1990.

Quinn oversaw great growth as chief. In 1996, the district’s original fire station was replaced by a new facility on Waukegan Road in Deerfield that still serves as its headquarters.

Additionally, a second station opened in 1998 on Half Day Road in Bannockburn.

“He’s always been a guy that’s been able to get the proper staffing and equipment for the department,” said Lt. Ray Larson, the department’s spokesman.

In 2005, Quinn helped organize and command the response from Illinois fire departments to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region. Although he remained in Illinois during the effort, he received a humanitarian service medal for his work, Larson said.

A public “walk out” ceremony — a traditional salute to an outgoing fire chief — is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 15 at the department headquarters, 500 Waukegan Road. Anyone can attend.