'Mr. Gurnee' leaves fire department after 30 years

Gurnee Fire Department Battalion Chief Barry Henby - known for his good deeds as much as his job - has retired after a magical 30-year career.

Henby, 57, of Gurnee, touched many lives in his roles over the years as a firefighter, paramedic and supervisor. He said he'll miss making a difference through his job and the camaraderie of the firehouse.

Despite the joys of the job, Henby said he's earned a maxed-out pension and is ready to try something else following a Gurnee fire career that began in March 1980.

"Something hits you on the back of your head that it's time to leave," said Henby. "It's time for me to go. No one is forcing me out."

Henby became known in Gurnee for the time he spent on public fire education, particularly at schools. He made the instruction fun for children by using magic tricks, such as setting a wallet on fire, as part of his program.

One of his fire safety messages resulted in frequent razzing from his colleagues.

Henby appeared in fire gear on Community Trust Credit Union billboards in 2000. He agreed to appear in the advertisement as a happy customer after Community Trust committed to including a message about smoke detectors saving lives.

"That was two years of me getting harassed by everybody from everywhere," said Henby, laughing.

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said while Henby will be missed at the fire department, she's glad to hear he's not leaving town. Henby's retirement became official early this month.

"He's just like Mr. Gurnee," Kovarik said. "What he contributed to the fire department far exceeded anyone's expectations."

Beyond the job, Henby has been an all-around helpful neighbor and community volunteer. He's the guy who quietly mows lawns for seniors who need a hand or chips in at the Gurnee Historical Society or Breakfast Exchange Club.

So highly regarded was Henby for his community involvement, he was selected as Gurnee Days honoree in 2006 after he was nominated by his neighbors.

After beginning his public-service career as a firefighter-paramedic and police officer in Glencoe, Henby launched his Gurnee career in 1980. His climb through the ranks took him to battalion chief.

Luckily for his neighbors and others, Henby doesn't see any reason to leave Gurnee in retirement.

"What a neat community," he said. "All the stuff that's here. It's unlimited."