'Go-to' firefighter honored by Buffalo Grove Rotary Club

The Buffalo Grove Rotary has chosen a "go-to" employee as its 2021 Firefighter of the Year.

Firefighter/paramedic Patrick Dinsmore was recognized at this week's Buffalo Grove village board meeting for his work ethic over 26 years with the department,

The club will donate $500 in Dinsmore's name - $250 to the Rotary Foundation and $250 to Lake County Honor Flight.

Since Dinsmore began with the department in January 1996, he's been "quick to lend a helping hand whenever the need arises," said Fire Chief Mike Baker.

Besides his standard responsibilities, Dinsmore served 20 years as a member of the department's technical rescue team. Other recent duties have included maintaining the department's pressurized equipment, such as the breathing apparatus.

The Marine Corps veteran is an active member of the VFW and an original member of the Buffalo Grove Professional Firefighters Local 3177 Honor Guard. He also was selected to be a guardian for Lake County Honor Flight No. 18 earlier this month.

Dinsmore thanked the Rotary Club for the award and for honoring firefighters and police officers every year. He also thanked his colleagues who nominated him.

"The Buffalo Grove Fire Department is a great place to work, and I'm proud to be a part of it," he said.