Chief Friedl Recognition Ceremony:
Wednesday, 7/19/17 at 6:00 pm
Station 2 – 6581 Dada Drive, Gurnee
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Fred Friedl became a part of the Gurnee Fire Department in 1996 and for twenty-one years served the Village of Gurnee and the Warren Waukegan Fire Protection District in accordance with its vision and principles. He has continually strived to provide quality fire and emergency services and to improve the well-being and safety of the citizens of the Village and the District. He has effected change within the Department culture to create a servant leadership so all members no matter of rank or tenure could grow and serve without limits. Each member of the Department remained accountable and was first a servant, contributing to the Department mission and serving to enrich the community that it served. Education and prevention were priorities as much as mitigation of fires and other emergencies.
In March of 2004 Fred successfully completed the rigorous process for professional designation of Chief Fire Officer. The Commission of Professional Credentialing recognizes individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community Involvement, and technical competencies.
Chief Friedl began his career in the fire service in 1972 and has been a member of numerous fire service associations including the following: Area Two Representative for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, twice President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs of Illinois, Chairman of the Lake/McHenry MABAS Specialized Response Team, Lifetime Member of the National Fire Protection Association, and President of the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Friedl has volunteered an extraordinary number of hours serving the local and surrounding communities. He was honored by the Exchange Club of Gurnee, the Illinois Lincolnland District Exchange Club and the National Exchange Club, where he received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the National Convention in Portland Oregon. He was also honored as Exchangite of the Year during Gurnee Community Days.
Perhaps none of these accolades was as meaningful as a Merit award he received for service in the line of duty for saving the life of a young boy trapped by fire in his second-floor bedroom, an early harbinger in a life of protecting the safety of others.
In 2009 Chief Friedl was inducted into his High School Alumni Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame was established to honor the achievements and contributions of outstanding alumni.