Hanover Park's new fire chief sworn in

Hanover Park's new fire chief, Eric Fors, has started his new job - the culmination of a career that so far has spanned 24 years.

Fors began his firefighting career in Hanover Park in 1997 as a 19-year-old part-timer.

In 2001 he was brought on as a full-time firefighter/paramedic, one of the first three hired by the village.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008, battalion chief in 2011 and assistant chief in 2016.

In early June of this year, the village announced he would be named chief. Fors was sworn in at the June 17 board meeting.

"Thank you for your decision to believe in me and allow me the honor to serve as the fire chief of this incredible department," Fors said at the meeting.

In June, then-Chief Craig Haigh said it was time for the organization to move forward.

"I know Chief Fors is ready to be fire chief," Haigh said. "And I know there are folks coming up behind him that are ready to fill those positions."

Hanover Park's fire department uses succession planning to identify potential officers, even within its hiring process.

"Much work has taken place over the years preparing the next generation of department leaders," Mayor Rodney Craig said at the board meeting.

Fors reflected on what he thought it was about him that showed potential: the projects he completed and his involvement in the training and emergency medical services divisions.

As chief, Fors hopes to find even more innovative and efficient ways to serve residents as their needs change. Fors said he is proudest of the department's service-oriented mindset.

"I look forward to continuing to grow the fire department," Fors said. "But above all, continue what I believe is excellent service that we are able to provide to our residents."

The fire department is in the process of selecting a new assistant chief.