Newest firefighter/paramedic joins Prospect Hts. department

With a formal installation ceremony held inside the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District Firehouse, Kevin Hedman started what he finished.

Hedman was sworn in as the newest full-time firefighter/paramedic in Prospect Heights. Fire Chief Donald R. Gould Jr. administered the oath on Tuesday in front of Hedman's family, fire command staff and other dignitaries as well as his fellow firefighters.

“It's always a great pleasure to bring in a new member,” Gould said. “But the nicest thing about it is that not only did we choose him, but he chose us. Kevin started with us as a part-time firefighter, and decided to stay.”

Hedman scored first on the firefighter test among applicants, Gould added, and he brought his on-the-job experience and excitement about serving Prospect Heights residents with him to his first full-time position.

“I want to thank all the guys in the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District,” Hedman said. “If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be standing here. They helped me during paramedic school and trained me as a firefighter. So, thank you guys.”

Hedman grew up in Northbrook and worked with his father in the concrete construction business before choosing the fire service.

He and his wife, Amanda, live in Wheeling and Hedman credited her with introducing him to a career in emergency response.

Amanda Hedman works at the Regional Emergency Dispatch Center in Northbrook, the multijurisdictional fire/EMS dispatch center, of which the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is a member.