Veteran firefighters promoted in Des Plaines

Des Plaines city leaders and fire department officials publicly celebrated the promotions of two veteran firefighters Monday.

Jim Utinans has been promoted to division chief of training and safety, from battalion chief. Additionally, Brian Hoffman has been promoted to battalion chief, from lieutenant.

Fire Chief Matt Matzl introduced Utinans and Hoffman as other members of the command staff looked on from nearby.

Utinans, 51, of Antioch, started with the department as a firefighter/paramedic in 2000. Through the years, he rose in rank to firefighter/engineer and lieutenant and then to battalion chief in 2023.

Utinans also has led the department’s hazardous materials team and served as its public education coordinator.

His latest promotion was effective in January.

In a belated public ceremony, Utinans’ recited his oath of office with assistance from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski. His wife, Jenny, then pinned a new badge on his dress uniform jacket.

Hoffman, 46, of Elk Grove Village, started with the department as a firefighter/paramedic in 2006. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2018. His latest promotion occurred in late February.

Hoffman recited his oath Monday, too. His wife, Crissy, then pinned his badge onto his jacket.