Des Plaines hires new fire chief

Des Plaines has hired Highland Park Fire Chief Alan Wax to take over as the city's new fire chief.

Wax, 50, a Maine East High School graduate living in Buffalo Grove, replaces retiring Des Plaines Fire Chief Randy Jaeger whose last day is Friday, Sept. 4. Jaeger has a 30-year career in the fire service.

City officials selected Wax after a four-month search.

"A highly qualified individual, Alan Wax has an understanding of all facets of the fire department," Des Plaines City Manager Jason Bajor said in a news release. "His extensive experience with the Highland Park Fire Department, coupled with his comprehensive educational and training background, makes him an ideal leader for our fire department."

Wax has served as Highland Park's fire chief since 2004. He rose up the ranks after being hired as a firefighter there in 1980 and been with the department throughout his nearly 30-year career.

Wax said he applied for the Des Plaines fire chief position because the city offers new opportunities and challenges at this stage in his career.

"It's a department with an excellent reputation," he said. "It's a bit larger fire department. Obviously, there's at least one new fire station, possibly more in the plans. That's certainly an exciting possibility."

The city's proposed new casino adds a host of other challenges, Wax added.

Wax helped Highland Park Fire Department gain accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2002, which was renewed in 2007. Des Plaines is now trying to achieve that accreditation for the first time.

As part of the accreditation process, Highland Park Fire Department started a comprehensive firefighter wellness initiative, established a long-range capital replacement plan, and promoted the use of technology to improve departmental efficiency.

"We feel that it's an extremely worthwhile process," Wax said.

Wax's first day in Des Plaines is Oct. 5. In the interim, Des Plaines Deputy Chief Ron Eilken will serve as acting fire chief.

Wax earned a bachelor's degree in fire science services from Southern Illinois University and a master of arts in management and business administration from Webster University.

He completed National Fire Service Staff & Command training through the University of Maryland, advanced Negotiation & Interest-Based Bargaining training at Harvard Law School and is presently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.

Wax will be relocating to Des Plaines with his wife and her two high school-age children.