Palatine appoints department veteran as new fire chief

One of retiring Palatine Fire Chief Norm Malcolm's right-hand men has been tapped as his successor.

Village Manager Reid Ottesen appointed 29-year department veteran and Deputy Chief Robert Falardeau to replace Malcolm effective June 2.

"I look forward to getting the next generation of leaders ready," Falardeau said. "It's definitely a great honor."

Since 1999, the 55-year-old Falardeau has served as deputy chief for operations, helping to run the department's response, training and personnel.

Ottesen cited the incoming chief's character and commitment to both the department and Palatine.

"He will continue to emphasize professionalism and service to our community," Ottesen said in a statement.

In addition to leading 96 sworn firefighters, Falardeau will oversee the Dundee Road fire station's relocation to a site on Quentin Road that will improve response times to northwest Palatine. The land has been purchased, and Malcolm said the department and an architectural firm are negotiating a contract he expects will go before the village council for approval in a few weeks.

In addition to being the fire department's liaison to the Northwest Central Dispatch Agency, Falardeau is a member of the Harper College Fire Science Advisory Board and chairman of Palatine's Executive Safety Committee.

A graduate of Palatine High School and Marquette University, Falardeau and his wife, Teri, have three adult children.