City of Elmhurst Fire Chief Tom Freeman has announced his retirement from the City of Elmhurst, effective April 30, 2021.

Chief Freeman assumed his role as the City of Elmhurst Fire Chief on October 10, 2016. He brought over 44 years of experience and expertise in firefighting, coming to Elmhurst after serving as the fire chief for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District for 22 years. He also served as a firefighter for the Village of Evergreen Park where he was promoted to several positions, eventually becoming Assistant Fire Chief.

During his time with the City of Elmhurst, Chief Freeman had many accomplishments, most significantly, his instrumental role in improving the Elmhurst Fire Department to an ISO Class 1 rating. He was also vital in the implementation and success of Rescue One, the department’s rapid response vehicle. 

Chief Freeman has been extremely involved in the Fire Service for over 40 years. In addition to numerous state and national certifications and memberships, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation, he was an active member of the DuPage County Emergency and Crisis Management Team.

During his career, he was President of MABAS Division 16, a member of MABAS Division 12, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Committee on Training, appointed by FEMA Administrator to FEMA Region V Regional Advisory Council and a member of the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Crisis Management Team. Chief Freeman serves as an appointee of the Governor on the State of Illinois Medal of Honor Committee. As an instructor for the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Freeman teaches throughout the state in the areas of Strategy and Tactics, Incident Management, Unified Command, and Officer Development and Leadership.

Deputy Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz has been appointed to serve as Acting Fire Chief as the process moves forward.