Bloomingdale fire department names deputy chief

The Illinois Fire Instructor of the Year is now also the deputy chief in Bloomingdale Fire Protection District 1.

Jeff Janus, a former battalion chief, was named to the post this week and will begin serving on Jan. 1.

He replaces 32-year firefighting veteran Walter Beahan, who died in early September after battling an illness.

Janus has worked with the Bloomingdale district for 18 years and teaches classes through the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute.

He teaches new safety techniques not only to his own colleagues, but to students throughout the state.

The district’s fire board of trustees chose Janus for the post from among two internal applicants.

Bloomingdale Fire Chief Mike McNamara said Janus’s background in training and safety is ideal for his new role, since deputy chief oversees Bloomingdale’s training program.

“That’s just a huge asset to bring to the table,” McNamara said. “And the award he won speaks volumes of his abilities. And he has the respect of the guys here, as well as a huge network with other departments, so that’s an excellent foundation.”

After he was hired to Bloomingdale in 1994, Janus was promoted to Lieutenant almost a decade later, then became battalion chief last March.

In addition, The Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors named Janus Fire Instructor of the Year in October, choosing him from among roughly 1,200 fire departments in Illinois.

The district will honor Janus at a formal ceremony in February, but it has not been scheduled.