Palos Fire Chief Retiring After 30 Years Full Time with District

Steven Carr used the word "fortunate" several times while looking back at his career over four decades with the Palos Fire Protection District.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to work in the community I reside,” Carr said. “I love supporting this community and watching it grow. It’s been rewarding throughout my entire career to see a community like this that gives back.”

Carr announced recently that he will retire as chief for the district, after working his way up starting as a cadet at age 15. Aside from a few years working as a firefighter and paramedic in Burbank, his entire career was spent with the Palos district, including 22 years as chief.

Carr said he decided the time was right to retire, especially with more stability in the district’s finances after the 2012 referendum passed.

“Finances in the next four to five years should be better than the last five to six years,” Carr said. “Some new insight, fresh perspective and maybe some youthful vision might be helpful to move the district through the next 15 years.”

Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller described Carr as “a friend, mentor, leader, firefighter and great person” and said he is respected “in and out of the fire service.” Miller further said that Carr modernized aspects of the district, as well as emergency coordination in the area.

“Steve truly brought the district into the 21st century,” Miller said. “It was during his tenure, they implemented significant changes in equipment, technology and safety for firefighters. All to the benefit of the district and its residents.”

Carr hasn’t yet decided what exactly he will do professionally after he officially steps down. Right now, he is looking forward taking a break after working full time since he was 15.

“I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my family in summer and fall,” Carr said. “And then see what the future has in store for us.”

Return to Palos Patch later in the week for a detailed interview with Carr.

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