Bill Oeffling Jr., of the Elmhurst Fire Department, was recently promoted from firefighter to lieutenant. The 43-year-old McHenry resident was sworn in to his new role Feb. 5.
Q: Did you always want to work for the fire department?
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A: I discovered I wanted to be a firefighter at 21 years old.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the job?
A: Every shift brings something different. You get an opportunity to make a difference.
Q: What do you think you’d be doing if you didn’t work for the fire department?
A: Auto mechanic
Q: What do you like about working in Elmhurst?
A: The diversity of the town. There is a mix of residential, commercial, industry and a major highway.
Q: Did you grow up in the area?
A: I grew up in McHenry.
Q: Do you have any kids?
A: Ten-year-old son, 23-year-old stepson and 20-year-old stepdaughter
Q: What about pets?
A: Three dogs and one cat
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Hobby is spending time with my family.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Favorite food is Mexican.
Q: What’s your dream vacation?
A: Favorite vacation is spending time in the Rocky Mountains.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
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Anna Bybee-Schier is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.