Veteran Buffalo Grove firefighter promoted to lieutenant

Buffalo Grove firefighter Steve Rusin is probably best known for his involvement in the Pink Heals initiative to raise awareness of cancer in women.

This week, however, it was his body of work as a firefighter that was honored when Rusin was promoted to lieutenant.

Bruce Kahn, chairman of the board of fire and police commissioners, prior to administering the oath to Rusin at Monday's village board meeting, said, "He has been extensively involved in the fire service, both inside and outside the village of Buffalo Grove."

Rusin, who is celebrating 25 years with the department this year, has worked as a water rescue diver, fire investigator and instructor at the Illinois Fire Service Institute and has been a member of the fire department's Honor Guard.

His honors include being named Investigator of the Year from the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association Strike Force for his efforts in solving a case that resulted in the arrest of a juvenile involved in setting a 2002 fire.

He was also named the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove's 2011 Firefighter of the Year and the recipient of the Buffalo Grove Area Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Above & Beyond Award.

But it was Rusin's involvement with the Pink Heals initiative that gained him the most visibility.

The Pink Heals tour began with an Arizona firefighter, Dave Graybill, manning a single fire truck out of Glendale, Arizona. The firefighter spread awareness by driving his truck across the country.

The movement has grown to more than 150 trucks in three countries, as volunteers spend up to 21 days driving the Pink Heals vehicles across the United States.

Rusin became involved in the effort seven years ago. He said he met Graybill when he came to the area and was inspired to ride along with him on the tour. He also spearheaded a local effort to raise funds by selling T-shirts.

Rusin eventually started the Northern Illinois chapter of Pink Heals. The chapter restored a 1979 American La France fire engine in honor of 16-year-old Jessica Bertulis of Johnsburg, Illinois, the daughter of a firefighter/paramedic for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, and her battle against Ewings Sarcoma.

Rusin said he enjoys his work as a firefighter.

"It's an exciting job. It changes every day. It's constantly moving. You get to work with a great group of guys all the time and it's rewarding," he said.