IL HR0953

House of Representatives congratulates Fire Chief Marty Feld of the Niles Fire Department on his retirement after more than 38 years of service, concluding November 30, 2024.

Fire Chief Feld began his career on October 5, 1986, as a firefighter and was promoted to lieutenant in 1996, district chief in 2005, and served in various roles including EMS officer, training officer, and fire investigator while maintaining Illinois paramedic licensure.

Secured $1.9 million in grants during his tenure as chief, including a Safer Grant to address staffing shortages, and obtained over $800,000 in reimbursements for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses from Cook County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Led department reorganization into EMS, training, and operations divisions, restored the deputy fire chief position, returned the 1941 Pirsch fire engine to Niles, worked on fire station renovations, and implemented a smoke detector installation program that placed over 1,500 detectors in local homes.

Maintained fiscal responsibility by joining the Ground Emergency Medical Transport program for Medicaid reimbursement of ambulance services and launched public outreach initiatives including annual pancake breakfasts, open houses, and fire extinguisher training.