Crime & Safety

Saying Goodbye: Fire Chief Retires After 41 Years

Deerfield honors James Quinn's service to the community with 'walk out' ceremony.

Fire Chief James Quinn retired from his post at the on Thursday after 41 years of service.

“I cannot just think of one outstanding memory,” he said after a special “walk out” ceremony. “There have just been so many.”

After more then four decades on the job, Quinn says his plans are to play golf “and try and get good at it.”

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Usually known to shy away from public attention, Quinn was surrounding Thursday by friends, family and peers who joyfully celebrated his career.  

Quinn joined the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department in 1970 as a firefighter. He was named fire chief in 1990 and was behind the construction of Deerfield’s state-of-the-art headquarters in 1996 as well as a second station in Bannockburn in 1998. He has also watched the department's staff double in size since he took charge 21 years ago.  

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“He has a talent for seeing what people’s strengths and skills are and lets them excel at it,” Deputy Chief Ian Kazian said.

Kazian, who has been with the fire department for the past 15 years, will replace Quinn as fire chief, taking over all responsibilities on Friday.

“The chief has just been a mentor,” Kazian said about his relationship with Quinn. “From day one, he’s been hands on.”

Also in attendance Thursday was Quinn’s predecessor, former Fire Chief Jack Gagne, who fondly remembered his time with the department.

“I had about 21 years in service,” Gagne recalled. “A lot of great guys--it was always a pleasure to work with them.”

Like Gagne, Quinn expects to miss those he has worked with for 41 years.

“I’m going to miss members of the department, my peers in other departments,” said Quinn, who attributed his success and accolades to them.


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