Chris Lienhardt has been a volunteer with the Antioch Fire Department for 27 years, the last six as deputy chief. He’s retiring next week to devote himself to his new position: executive director of the Northbrook-based Regional Emergency Dispatching (RED) Center, where he’s worked 20 years. RED dispatches for the Deerfield/Bannockburn, Prospect Heights, Long Grove, North Maine and Lincolnshire/Riverwoods fire protection districts, and the Des Plaines, Highwood, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Wheeling, Wilmette and Winnetka fire departments. Early in his career, he worked in public safety jobs in Vernon Hills and Fort Sheridan.
Where did you grow up?
Antioch, Illinois. I’ve lived there my entire life.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?
My dad was a principal, so I thought I’d just be a teacher. Then I got involved in a cadet program in the Lake County Sheriff’s program.
What was your first job?
My first official job, where I learned the most about customer service, was at Six Flags Great America. They created an environment where it was fun to be at work.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Drums. I’ve been playing since fourth grade. A friend has a band, and every once in a while I get to sit in with them and scratch the rock ‘n’ roll itch.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don’t know.
More Top Picks Best Dollhouses For Girls
For a guy who’s got rhythm every second of the day, I cannot dance to save my life.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
On Shermer south of Willow, La Taquiza, next to Mario’s (Pizza). Tough call between Mario’s and that place. Mario’s is open late and delivers, a staple my entire time at RED Center.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
By the time I reach 50, I want to have gone to Normandy.
Any pet peeves?
People who simply want to be part of the problem and don’t want to be part of the solution.
What’s your favorite charity?
The Oral Cancer Foundation. My wife is an oral cancer survivor. She’s alive because she had great docs.
Words of wisdom?
If I’ve learned on thing in 27 years in public safety, you only get one shot. Very seldom do you get a do-over.