After nearly 40 years with the Niles Fire Department, Chief Marty Feld is set to retire from the department at the end of the month – bringing to a close a career that saw him rise the ranks and effect “positive change.”
“Marty Feld has been a one-of-a-kind asset to the Niles Fire Department and the entire Village
of Niles,” said mayor George Alpogianis stated in a village news release announcing the retirement. “His accomplishments speak for themselves.
Feld’s last day is Nov. 30.
Feld has worked for the Niles Fire Department since 1986. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1996, district chief in 2005, and was appointed fire chief in 2017, according to the release.
He served as paramedic coordinator from 1996 to 2005 during his time as a lieutenant, during which time the fire department introduced 12-Lead EKGs and electronic run reporting. As district chief, he introduced training programs that are still being used by the department, and introduced a return-to-work program to onboard a firefighter after an extended leave.
As chief, Feld applied for and received $1.9 million in grants on behalf of the village. He also reorganized the department and created new roles: EMS, training and operation divisions. He is credited with leading an effort to join the Ground Emergency Medical Transport program, which allows Niles to recover more of the actual cost of providing ambulance services, the release explains.
In the release, Feld is credited as chief with introducing a number of public outreach
programs, including the annual Open House, Fire Extinguisher Training, and the
department’s smoke detector installation program.
He is also lauded for navigating the department through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the Department’s front-line responsibilities of responding to and transporting individuals infected with the coronavirus, Feld took on a significant role in working to understand the disease and make recommendations for safe and effective operations. Fire Department services continued during the pandemic thanks to his efforts, while NFD personnel received and used necessary equipment to remain safe. Feld also worked tirelessly behind the scenes developing and submitting documentation for reimbursement of COVID-related expenses through FEMA and Cook County, through which the Village has received over $800,000 to date,” the release states.
Alpogianis said that even with his professional achievements, it will be Feld’s personality and “kindness” that will be missed most.
“Personable yet respectful, approachable and dignified, Marty made a positive impact on every room he entered. You’d be hard pressed to find someone in the Village that doesn’t respond with a smile when you mention Marty Feld.All of us on the Village Board thank him for his many years of service. He will be greatly missed,” the mayor stated in the release.
