CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Firefighters are indispensable members of emergency response teams, playing a critical role in ensuring public safety and well-being. Their primary objective is to save lives, as they are often the first to arrive at various emergencies, including fires, car accidents, and natural disasters. Firefighters are trained to rescue individuals from dangerous situations, provide medical assistance, and evacuate them from hazardous environments. Beyond firefighting, they are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, such as hazardous material incidents and water rescues. Additionally, firefighters educate the public on fire safety measures, contributing to community preparedness and prevention efforts. Through their expertise in fire suppression and emergency response, firefighters support public health and minimize property loss, making them essential frontline responders in safeguarding communities.
With almost three decades of service, Chief Andy Quarnstrom brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the community. After nearly 27 years with the Champaign Fire Department, working his way up from firefighter in 1997 to engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, acting deputy chief and now Andy just recently took on the role of Chief. “It’s been an incredible opportunity,” Andy remarked. “When I first joined the department, I never imagined that one day I would be leading it. Historically, the department has hired external candidates for the position of Fire Chief, so being able to rise through the ranks internally is something I take great pride in.”
Andy’s dedication to the role was made clear as he emphasized the need for continuous learning. As he transitioned into the new role, he highlighted the importance of using his nearly decade of experience to better serve the community, including the next generation of firefighters. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my new role is the opportunity to inspire young firefighters,” Andy explained. “By demonstrating that advancement within the department is possible, I hope to encourage others to pursue their professional goals and aspirations.”
Besides running Champaign’s fire department, Andy also takes on the role of husband and father. He and his wife are residents of Champaign alongside their two children- a daughter preparing to graduate from high school and plans on pursuing a career in media and a son currently in college in Iowa. With a clear vision for the future, he is eager to step into this new leadership role and positively influence the community: “As Fire Chief, I am committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” Andy affirmed. “Together with my dedicated colleagues, I am confident that we can overcome any obstacles and continue to serve Champaign with excellence.”
Andy has showcased his continuous commitment to the community and passion for serving others. As he enters this new chapter of his career, he continues to uphold the values that he has exhibited throughout his tenure. Through his experience, he recognized the need for social services catered to the youth and homeless population in the community. He has gone above and beyond to address those needs. He championed initiatives such as the summer youth employment program and homeless services, recognizing the importance of being proactive in measures to support vulnerable populations. These efforts resulted in programs like the Seal Work Program, which provides employment opportunities for homeless individuals while contributing to the community
Under Andy’s leadership, the township witnessed the opening of Strides Homeless Shelter, a low-barrier facility offering accommodation to men and women throughout the year. Despite the persistent challenges of homelessness, Andy remains steadfast in his commitment to making a meaningful impact and acknowledges the ongoing need for comprehensive support systems. Transitioning from township supervisor to fire chief, Andy brings a wealth of administrative and political experience to his new role. He attributes his tenure in local government to shaping his perspective and instilling a deep sense of responsibility towards community welfare. Andy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of public service and underscores the importance of leadership in addressing pressing social issues.
When asked about targeted areas of improvement, the chief outlined comprehensive strategic plans highlighting the challenges specific to the department and his efforts to address them. He emphasized the importance and need for professional development and acknowledged the difficulties of training in a dangerous and ever-evolving field. “With the department being relatively young, there’s a pressing need to prepare the workforce for both current and future roles. Our number one priority is professional development,” the chief stated. “We’ve laid the groundwork for developing our firefighters, preparing them for promotions, and ensuring readiness among probationary firefighters.”
Andy sees service to the community holistically and recognizes the need for comprehensive mental health care during emergencies. “We’re excited to see a mental health response plan come to fruition,” he added. “It will not only save lives but also provide better care and resource allocation.” While recognizing the limitations imposed by resources and logistics, the chief expressed a commitment to providing comprehensive training for the workforce. He viewed this as essential for building a legacy of excellence and ensuring the long-term success of the department. “Our goal is to lay the groundwork for our employees to be successful for the next 30 years,” the chief explained. “We aim to provide robust professional development programs to prepare our young workforce for the challenges ahead.”
The Fire Chief reflected on the commitment and dedication of his team, expressing a profound pride in their efforts “Our firefighters work their butts off every day for this community,” the chief remarked. Despite the strenuous nature of the job, the chief has fostered a positive environment amongst the staff “They’re smiling and they’re happy to be here and they’re engaged in our plan moving forward to be aggressive and to address our needs,” the chief noted with pride.
On the department’s longstanding tradition and culture spanning over 50 years “I look at the city Champagne fire department and I can’t think of a better place to be the fire chief,” The chief expressed his pride in leading the fire department alongside such a dedicated and hardworking team. ” I’m proud of our staff and the work they do and it’s an honor to be in this position.