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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING FIRE CHIEF ALAN BERKOWSKY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Chief Alan Berkowsky ended his distinguished career in fire service when he stepped down as chief of the Winnetka, Illinois Fire Department on April 9, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Chief Alan Berkowsky is a 35-year veteran of the fire service, having served multiple communities throughout Cook County. He began his career as a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department. He joined the Evanston, Illinois Fire Department in 1981 as a firefighter/ paramedic and served there in multiple capacities, including Captain/Inspector/ Investigator, Division Chief of Administrative Services, Division Chief of Fire Prevention & Technical Services, and Fire Chief; and
WHEREAS, following his retirement from Evanston, he was tapped to become chief of the Winnetka Fire Department, which serves Winnetka, Kenilworth, and unincorporated areas of Cook County including Woodley Road and Indian Hill. Under his leadership, the department evolved into, in his words, an "All-Hazard" department that will respond to and assist in solving just about any problem that may arise, such as a call for smoke, fire, medical services, an activated carbon monoxide detector, an arcing outlet, water dripping from the ceiling, or someone slipping off a chair and needing help to get back up; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, Chief Berkowsky has achieved numerous accomplishments and certifications. He oversaw the construction of three fire stations, designed and implemented a million dollar plus radio system for use by fire department personnel, redesigned a joint water rescue program; led the Evanston and Winnetka departments through ISO rating upgrades, and negotiated numerous collective bargaining agreements with local bargaining units; and
WHEREAS, he has held certifications as Firefighter II and Firefighter III, Paramedic, Fire Investigator, Arson Investigator, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Fire Offic...
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