Howard Lakin was promoted from fire apparatus operator to fire captain. Fire Captain Howard Lakin has been serving the residents of Evanston since September 2001, when he received his firefighter certification. Lakin's dedication is evident as he progresses within our department. He was promoted from firefighter/paramedic to fire apparatus operator in 2012. Lakin began his career in 1997 as a paramedic with Superior Ambulance.

Captain Lakin is a decorated firefighter who received the Fire Chief's Letter of Commendation for exhibiting exceptional skill and professionalism as a paramedic. He also received the Special Recognition Award for his bravery and steadfast commitment to providing emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lakin has proven to be a leader in the department. As a paramedic preceptor, Howard trained new paramedics to develop emergency medical skills. He also served on the department's training committee, assisting in developing training standards. Lakin was also a rescue diver on the Evanston Dive Team. 

Howard's commitment to the profession and its members is evident in his training and educational pursuits. Howard has completed numerous specialized rescue training, receiving certifications in rescue diver, advanced open water diver, ice diver, hazardous material operations, and fire apparatus engineer. Howard graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1991 with a Bachelor's in Fire Arts.

Steven Wojtowycz was promoted from firefighter/paramedic to fire apparatus operator. FAO Steven Wojtowycz started his career in the fire service in May 2011 as a firefighter/paramedic. He is a distinguished fire department member who has dedicated significant efforts to the professional development of EFD paramedics. He is known for his dependability and is trusted to excel in his new role.

FAO Wojtowycz is a decorated firefighter who received the Craig Stiles Unit Performance Award. This outstanding performance award is issued to members of a company whose combined acts of bravery, dedication, and exceptional skill resulted in saving human lives or property under adverse conditions. This award is the second-highest recognition offered by the Evanston Fire Department. Additionally, Steve was awarded the Chief's Letter of Commendation for exhibiting exceptional skill and professionalism as a paramedic. He also received the Special Recognition Award for his bravery and steadfast commitment to providing emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a paramedic, Steve took on a leadership role as a paramedic preceptor for several years, helping new paramedics develop the skills and confidence needed in the field.

Steve's unwavering commitment to the profession is evident in his training and educational pursuits. He completed numerous training opportunities in specialized rescue operations, including surface water rescue, hazardous material operations, advanced firefighter, and fire apparatus engineer training. Steve completed his associate's degree in fire science at the College of Dupage.

FAO Wojtowycz is a Marine 21 boat operator, drone operator, and surface water rescue member.

For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.