Niles (Ill.) Fire Department Chief Harry Kinowski is retiring on September 1, 2006 after 48 years of dedicated service to the Village of Niles. Harry began as a village employee in 1958 when he joined the Public Works Department and as a paid on call firefighter. In 1960 he became a full-time member of the Niles Fire Department and steadily rose through the ranks. He was ultimately appointed as Chief of the Department in 1984. For 22 years Chief Kinowski has faithfully and ably directed the Niles Fire Department.

During his career Chief Kinowski has spearheaded numerous innovations that have greatly improved the capabilities of the Niles Fire Department. He was instrumental in reorganizing both the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Training Division, served as the project manager for the development of a Regional Emergency Dispatch Center and he was also one of the three founding fire chiefs of the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy. NIPSTA, which now includes 17 communities, has brought in millions in grants for training programs.  These programs have been a great success and have benefited our village and firefighters from surrounding areas.

Through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), Kinowski helped coordinate sending 900 area personnel and 200 pieces of equipment to Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In his 46 years as a full-time member of the department, Kinowski was a key player for the Department, rehabbing departments and establishing the Fire Prevention Bureau.

With his career coming to an end, we can only look back at his accomplishments and success in "awe." Harry Kinowski has led the Niles Fire Department with great leadership, enthusiasm, and initiative. We are all proud to have served under such an extraordinary Fire Chief and have benefited both personally and professionally from his leadership and integrity.

Chief Kinowski's retirement party will be held on the evening of August 25th at the White Eagle Restaurant in Niles.