Geneva fire chief retiring

Geneva Fire Chief Steve Olson is retiring June 30, after a 42-year career that saw substantial growth and change in the town.

"Four decades of service to the citizens and businesses of Geneva is testimony to Chief Olson's love of community and pride in his work," Mayor Kevin Burns said in a prepared statement. "Thanks to Chief Olson's steady leadership and passionate service, Geneva's fire department remains the envy of communities far and wide. I am proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated public servant and gratefully acknowledge the many sacrifices he and his family have made over the years."

Olson was hired in 1974 as a part-time firefighter. He became a lieutenant in 1978, and joined the department full-time in 1979. He became fire chief in 1996, and now oversees a department of 26 full-time firefighter/paramedics and more than 40 part-time firefighters.

During his tenure as chief, the city added a second fire station and replaced Station 1.

Accomplishments included adding annual inspections of all commercial properties and putting laptop computers in fire vehicles so building information would be available to workers responding to calls.

The department gained international accreditation in 2001.

He was a field instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute from 1986 to 1996, and is vice chairman of the Commission of Fire Accreditation.

Olson is a lifelong resident of Geneva.

The city has not announced whether somebody will be promoted to chief, or if it will search outside.

He is the third city leader to announce a retirement this spring. Police Chief Steve Mexin is leaving in May and city administrator Mary McKittrick is leaving in June. Cmdr. Eric Passarelli has been promoted to police chief, and assistant city administrator Stephanie Dawkins will step up as administrator.