Latest Hire Brings Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department Back to Full Strength

After tightening their belts and stretching personnel over the past few years, the Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department has made a final hire that brings emergency responders back to acceptable levels.

Jeremiah Johnson, an experienced firefighter and paramedic, was sworn in at the March 21 village board meeting.

“Our newest firefighter/paramedic will be replacing a vacancy left by retirement,” said Terry Mastandrea, fire chief.  

Mastandrea said Johnson started his career five years ago working in emergency management services at the McHenry Fire Protection District, and went on to work for Nunda Township and Huntley Fire Protection District.  

Johnson also brings two years of background as a fire apparatus engineer and has been a CPR instructor for two years as well, said Mastandrea.

“All of our personnel come trained as firefighters and an Illinois certified paramedic before they can test at our department,” said Mastandrea. “Jeremiah’s previous experience is a level above what is expected.”

For the traditional pinning of the badge, Johnson chose his father, Greg Johnson to complete the honor.

Johnson is a marathon runner, and has competed in a 31-mile ‘ultra marathon,’ said Mastandrea.

Johnson also enjoys reading and working on his newly purchase home.

The swearing in of Johnson ends below par staffing issues at the department caused by a three year hiring freeze lifted last fall.

On Sept. 19, 2010, Clayton Booth and Jeffrey Wascow were sworn in filling two of three vacant spots; the final opening is now occupied by Johnson.  

Prior to that, the department was forced to work at bare bone levels after losing a total of nine firefighters due to retirement and attrition.

Budget constraints prevented any new hires, which forced Lake Zurich firefighters and paramedics to avoid missing work for any reason, even due to sickness or injury.

Financial issues also caused ambulance service to be discontinued in the village, which still is the case. Mastandrea said neighboring communities are called upon when ambulance service is needed.