Itasca fire chief honed skills on front line
You can learn about fighting fires, you can practice suppression and rescues, you can train to save lives.
But until you've responded to an emergency — put your life on the line with fellow firefighters — you can't really appreciate the job.
James Burke has been there on the front line. And his new bosses say that's one of the experiences that will distinguish the career firefighter-paramedic as chief of the Itasca Fire Protection District.
“His qualifications were phenomenal; not only as chief, he is a firefighter and a paramedic. That helps quite a bit when you're on scene. If things get hairy, he has the knowledge to step right in and do what needs to be done,” said Mike Sullivan, president of the fire district board.
“We had a lot of very qualified candidates, but what it really came down to was experience.”
Burke comes to Itasca having served most recently as the deputy chief of the Addison Fire Protection District, where he was employed for 29 years.
He began as a firefighter-paramedic and worked up through the ranks as a training officer, lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. With an associate degree in fire science technology from College of DuPage and numerous certifications from the state fire marshal, Burke currently is completing his bachelor's degree in fire service management through Southern Illinois University.
Burke was sworn in April 13 to replace Jim MacArthur, who retired at the end of March, at the helm of the district that has 24 full-time firefighters who serve Itasca and portions of Addison, Wood Dale and unincorporated areas of DuPage County.
Burke recently spoke with the Daily Herald about being the new Itasca fire chief.
Q. You worked at the Addison Fire Protection District for 29 years. Why did you decide to move to Itasca?
A. I was the deputy chief in Addison and my chief had recently started. When the position opened at Itasca, my expectation was the chief at Addison wasn't going to be leaving any time soon, so I decided to take the opportunity.
Q. How is your new job and new district different?
A. As the chief of a department vs. a deputy, you're in charge of everything that goes on in your organization. The buck stops with you, which is certainly different. When you're a deputy, you have your chief to bounce things off.
Itasca is also a smaller fire district than I was used to in Addison; it's a single station vs. three stations. There are fewer firefighters on the job, which is a little different. This district has done a terrific job of getting out in the community for years. A lot of people that live in town are very in-tune to that and expect the fire department to be out in the community.
Q. You have almost completed your degree in fire service management. How do you think this degree will help you in your new job?
A. The degree is recommended when you move up into chief ranks. A lot of the curriculum covered teaches you about the position. You learn about everything from budgeting to strategic planning and union relationships. It helps you out in the job that you're aspiring to have.
Q. What does the job entail?
A. The chief of the fire department is in charge of the overall operation. We're not really connected to the village of Itasca; we're our own government, with our own board of trustees and fire commissioners. However, the fire district and the village do work closely together.
I develop budgets, handle any issues that arise such as collective bargaining or discipline issues. I assess the current and future needs of the community, where we are today and where we may be down the line.
Q. What is your favorite part about being the Itasca chief so far?A. Much like the department I came from in Addison, Itasca has a great group of firefighters. They really welcomed me to the department and the community opened their arms to me as the new chief as well. Itasca has a unique feel about it. Everyone I have come in contact with has wished me well and offered me their support.