Buffalo Grove firefighter honored for Women’s History Month

Buffalo Grove Fire Department Battalion Chief Wendy Durkin was recognized Tuesday for her 35 years in the fire service by Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka as part of Topinka’s office’s celebration of Women’s History Month. She was one of 15 fire service leaders who were saluted.

Durkin began her career at age 15 as a cadet in Mundelein. At age 18, she became a member of the Long Grove Fire Protection District and in 1988, she was hired full-time at the Buffalo Grove Fire Department.

Durkin started as a firefighter-paramedic and has risen through the ranks to her current rank where she is assigned as the Emergency Medical Services Officer.

Durkin was thrilled to be recognized, but said more important was the example she set for others. “This award is for all the little girls out there to show to them that is possible to be a firefighter if they want to,” Durkin said.