The annual Huntley Fire Department (HFD) – Huntley Police Department First Responders softball game will give newly appointed HFD Fire Chief Dan Wagner and the community a chance to continue to get to know each other.
The softball game at Sun City’s Veterans Memorial Field kicks off National Night out, on Aug. 5, with a start time of 2 p.m. Wagner was named as a HFPD Deputy Chief for Operations before last year. The public may also tour Huntley Fire Station No. 1, 1118 Main St., from 3-7 p.m., Aug. 6.
“One of the highlights of my first year in Huntley was participating in the Sun City First Responders softball game,” Wagner said. “It was a fantastic experience – not just for the game itself, but for the energy and support from the residents. The weather might not have been the warmest, but the reception from the community certainly was. I loved the opportunity to interact with residents in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and I’m really looking forward to this year’s game.”
Wagner was selected by the Huntley Fire Protection Board of Trustees as fire chief, replacing retired chief Scott Ravagnie on May 24. He previously worked for 28 years at the Elgin Fire Department, with a final rank of Battalion Chief.
“I knew from the start that HFPD had an outstanding reputation, so when the opportunity opened up, it felt like the perfect next chapter in my career. Spending the past year working alongside (retired) Fire Chief Ravagnie and Deputy Chief John Levendoski gave me valuable insight into the district’s operations and strong community ties. It was essentially a one-year “working interview”, and I appreciated the HFPD Board of Trustees giving me the opportunity to prove myself through real-world experience – from the budgeting and strategic planning to handling press and large-scale incidents. When the formal interview came around, I felt ready.”
It was growing up in Pingree Grove, where his dad Dan served as fire chief, was where Wagner found that the fire department helmet fit just right. He began his fire service career at age 18.
“The fire service has always been in my blood,” Wagner said. “I’m a third-generation fire chief – my grandfather served in Metamora, Il., and my father was the first full-time fire chief of the Pingree Grove Fire Protection District. My parents (Dan and Sybil) were even among the founding members of the ambulance service in Pingree Grove, helping to bring EMS to the community. Growing up, I spent countless nights and weekends at the fire station, with my dad. I joined the Pingree Grove Fire Department on my 18th birthday and have loved every moment of this career since. My father, an Air Force veteran and servant leader, was the most influential mentor in my life, instilling values that have guided me evert step of the way.”
Dan Wagner’s wife, Sheila, pins new Fire Chief badge on Wagner’s uniform, during swear-in ceremony. (Photo by Steve Peterson/My Sun Day News)
Wagner’s background
Wagner, 54, grew up in Elgin and is an Elgin Larkin High School alum. He then graduated from Western Illinois University with a double bachelor’s degree major in Law Enforcement and Fire Service Administration. He has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University.
Wagner and his wife Shirley have a family of three boys. Dan is a US Marine Veteran and now attends Southern Illinois University. He and his wife Riley have one daughter, Rowan. Connor graduated from Lewis University, and is a commercial airline pilot. Tyler is a Marine veteran who will attend SIU this fall.
Meeting the community’s needs
The HFPD will be conducting a Community Risk Assessment(CRA)study.
“The biggest shift I’ve seen over the years is how fire departments are embracing data and technology,” Wagner said. “CRA has become central to our mission, and we’re using tools like our upcoming CRA to better understand how to serve residents, especially in areas like Sun City and across our district.”
Wagner mentioned initiatives which have recently expanded. These include: cadet and intern program, to expose local youth to the fire service careers; a medical equipment lending closet, to help residents access needed items; Mobile Integrated Health Initiatives, for frequent 911 callers; and community outreach, including food drives like our recent effort for Grafton Food Pantry.”
The new fire chief noted that the department presently has 79 full-time sworn members; three civilian staff; 20 part-time members and dozens of cadets and interns. It owns one ladder truck; four fire engines; three-full time ambulances with a fourth ambulance at Station No. 1 when staffing allows. New equipment includes a refurbished ambulance, a new fire engine which was received last winter. The HFPD responds to about 7,000 calls from its five fire stations.
HFPD covers 55 square miles and serves more than 62,000 residents across Huntley, and parts of Pingree Grove, Algonquin, Gilberts, Lake in the Hills, and surrounding unincorporated areas in Kane and McHenry counties.
“While we have kept up with the district growth so far, increasing costs and continued development pose real challenges,” Wagner commented. “We’re pursuing grants to supplement revenue and have made staffing adjustments to control expenses – all without affecting our daily personnel minimums. Our upcoming CRA will help guide future plans for stations and personnel.”
While those goals are important, it’s the people that are the most important.
“Huntley has everything we (his family) were looking for – great bike paths, friendly neighbors and vibrant community events like the Farmers Market, Tuesday Night Concerts, and local music nights,” the new fire chief remarked. “We walk every evening and have fully-embraced the small-town feel. My family remains my greatest joy. We’ve made countless memories camping, fishing, and just being together. I’m now a proud grandfather. There’s nothing better than spending time with my granddaughter and watching her grow.”
