Longtime Schaumburg fire chief to retire

Schaumburg Fire Chief Dave Schumann, a longtime member of the department and chief for the past 18 years, announced Thursday he plans to retire in August.

Schumann, who was first hired by the department in 1979, advanced through the ranks until he became chief in 1999.

"Chief Schumann has provided Schaumburg with professional leadership while advancing the fire department's level of service and making our community a safer place to live, work and visit," Village President Al Larson said in a news release. "I thank the chief for all of his contributions over his many years of service to the village and I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life."

Schumann is credited with steering the department through capital building projects, including construction of two new fire stations, major reconstruction and expansion of two others, and construction of the Emergency Operations Center for use in the event of a major emergency.

Schumann also led efforts to improve service. He increased education requirements for new applicants and firefighters seeking promotion; transitioned the department to a regional 911 center at Northwest Central Dispatch; and implemented advanced life support capabilities on all firefighting vehicles.

Schumann also spearheaded fire code upgrades including mandatory fire alarm upgrades and sprinkler system installation in older high-rise buildings; and mandatory sprinkler system installation in nearly all classifications of new buildings, including single family dwellings.

New programs that developed under Schumann's watch include fire company inspections of businesses in their response districts, mandatory fitness training for firefighters, and an expansion of public education programs, primarily for senior citizens. He also initiated the process currently underway for the department to receive agency accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

Village officials said they will start a comprehensive recruitment process to find Schaumburg's new fire chief, which may span a period of several months. Schumann's last day with the village will be Friday, Aug. 25.