Warrenville Fire Protection District Chief Kevin O'Hare now holds two internationally recognized professional designations, including one earned by fewer than 400 fire service professionals worldwide, the district announced Thursday, July 10.
The Commission on Professional Credentialing officially conferred the Chief Fire Officer designation on O'Hare on Monday, July 6. The credential recognizes executive leadership, education, and service in fire and emergency services, and requires candidates to hold the rank of battalion chief or above, accumulate at least 150 points through education and experience, and pass an extensive peer review.
O'Hare also earned the Chief Training Officer designation from the same commission, according to the district's July 10 announcement. Fewer than 400 fire service professionals worldwide hold the CTO credential, the district said. The CTO evaluates administrators of training programs on similar criteria, including a peer review and documentation of their organizational role.
Both designations are administered by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a nonprofit that offers seven credentials covering various levels and specialties of fire and EMS officers.
Two decades in the service
O'Hare was appointed fire chief on Wednesday, Feb. 18, after serving as assistant chief of support services since 2023. In that role he oversaw budget development, grant writing, strategic planning, fire prevention, and community risk reduction. He brings more than 20 years of experience in emergency response, training, and administration.
He holds an associate degree in fire science from the College of DuPage and a bachelor's degree in public safety administration from Southern Illinois University. He also carries a separate state-level Chief Fire Officer certification through the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Outside the district, O'Hare serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors and on the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association EMS Committee. He received Westmont's Public Servant of the Year Award in 2017.
What it means for Warrenville
The Warrenville Fire Protection District covers 12.06 square miles of residential, commercial, and medium- and high-rise buildings. It serves roughly 20,000 residents, a number that swells to about 40,000 during the daytime due to the workforce commuting into the district.
Residents can reach the district at (630) 393-1381 or at its headquarters, 3S472 Batavia Road, Warrenville.
