Koeppen appointed fire chief in Arlington Heights

Ken Koeppen Named Fire Chief of Arlington Heights

Ken Koeppen, a dedicated 34-year member of the Arlington Heights Fire Department, has officially been named Fire Chief, effective immediately. The appointment was announced by Village Manager Bill Dixon, who praised Koeppen’s long-term commitment and leadership within the department.

Koeppen has been serving as Acting Fire Chief since February 2014, following the retirement of former Chief Glenn Ericksen. Over the years, he has held several key roles, including Deputy Fire Chief since 2005, Fire Commander from 1998 to 2005, and Fire Lieutenant from 1995 to 1998. His career began in 1980 as a firefighter/paramedic, marking the start of a long and impactful journey with the department.

In March 2014, Ken Koeppen was recognized for his bravery when he received the Police Department’s Lifesaver Award. The honor came in recognition of his quick response during a critical incident on December 12, 2013, when Officer Michael McEvoy was shot in the face during a hostage situation. Koeppen, who was visiting family nearby, noticed flashing lights and rushed out to help. He found Officer McEvoy unconscious on the ground and provided immediate assistance until emergency services arrived.

"Ken's strong character and his ability to build positive relationships across departments made him the ideal candidate for this role," said Village Manager Bill Dixon. "His experience and leadership will ensure continued excellence in our fire department."

Koeppen is the fifth Fire Chief since the department transitioned from a volunteer force to a full-time paid department in 1958. Throughout his career, he has managed operations, trained personnel, conducted evaluations, led investigations, and responded to countless emergencies—from fires and medical calls to hazardous material incidents.

Now, as Fire Chief, Koeppen is eager to continue serving the community he has called home for years. He lives in Arlington Heights with his wife and son. "I’ve built deep roots here, and I’m committed to delivering the highest level of service to our residents," he said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to lead the department and maintain the high standards that our community deserves."

The Arlington Heights Fire Department employs 110 people and offers comprehensive services, including fire protection, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue operations. The department is organized into four divisions: Administrative, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical, and Training. With its dedicated team and strong community ties, the department continues to be a vital part of the village.