The Evanston Fire Department last week announced key promotions they say will improve the department’s operations. The department said these promotions coincide with the creation of two new field chief positions.
“To improve efficiency and specialization within the department, the Evanston Fire Department has developed these positions to allow fire department staff to customize programming and response capabilities in support of Evanston’s lakefront, special operations, and emergency medical service,” the department wrote in a news release.
Fire Captain Sean Malloy was promoted to field chief of special operations, according to the news release. Malloy specializes in ice and water rescue, high angle and trench rescue alongside hazardous materials operations, which led to him being commended for saving several lives during a 2022 lakefront rescue. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati, the news release states.
Fire Captain Megan Kamarchevakul will be the new field chief of emergency medical services. She holds a graduate degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s in biology and secondary education from the University of Evansville. She also holds certifications from the American Heart Association for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid instruction, making her a National Association of EMS Educators certified instructor alongside credentials to be a fire and life safety educator.
“Both Megan and Sean’s extraordinary commitment and dedication to the profession will undoubtedly help them perform their role at a high level,” the department wrote in a statement.
Four other EFD members are being promoted in addition to Kamarchevakul and Malloy, according to the department. Fire Apparatus Operators Tom Howard and Jamaine Collins are being promoted to the role of fire captain while Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Rodriguez and Johan Haglund are now at the fire apparatus operator rank.
“These distinguished members have been a tremendous asset to our department and will undoubtedly do well serving in their new capacity,” the EFD said in a statement.
Howard joined the department in 1996 as a trench rescue member and was promoted to the fire apparatus operator rank in 2008. He began his career with the Willow Springs Fire Department and held another post at the Bridgeview Fire Department before coming to Evanston. However, his talents don’t stop at his EFD duties. According to an EFD statement, he also hosts a podcast called “The Fire Inside” and holds a master’s in divinity from the Northern Theological Seminary, which he completed in 2016.
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Collins will join Howard as a newly appointed fire captain, the news release states. He joined EFD in September 2011 and was promoted to the rank of fire apparatus operator in May 2022. His career started in 2006 when he joined the Stickney Fire Department. After a year in Stickney, he went to Lincolnwood where he got his paramedic license.
” (Collins’) extensive training and commitment to the profession will serve him well in his new role,” EFD said in a statement.
Rodriguez will now serve as a fire apparatus operator. He joined EFD in 2005 as a firefighter, paramedic after receiving his paramedic license in 2003, according to an EFD news release. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science administration from Waldorf University and has served as an emergency medical services coordinator, the statement said.
Joining Rodriguez as a fire apparatus operator is Haglund. Haglund, who joined EFD in 2006, has held many hats within EPD including serving on the Peer Fitness Committee for six years. The committee supports firefighter health through weightlifting, strength training, flexibility and nutritional counseling, the statement said. He conducted two lakefront rescues in 2022, which led to him earning two commendations, and is an active member of the personal watercraft team.
“Haglund is a highly decorated veteran firefighter who has exhibited a steadfast commitment to serving Evanston residents and supporting department members’ health and wellness,” the statement said.
The department said the creation of the two field chief positions is an example of Evanston’s growth and how the department is adapting to the community.
“These promotions signify the historic expansion of fire department operations, representing a move necessary to meet the rising demands of our growing community,” the department said.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.