A big day came for the Burbank Fire Department last month when the Burbank City Council approved the hiring of four new firefighters.
Fresh out of the academy, Aiden Pfeiffer, Donaciao Villalobos, Sean Murphy, and Anthony Buenzow have each started their journey in the fire service in Burbank. The hiring of these probationary firefighters on Oct. 8 adds to the similarly significant hiring and promotion done in September.
On September 10, the Burbank City Council hired retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief and Chief of Special Operations Tim Walsh as Burbank’s new Deputy Fire Chief. Walsh started his career as a volunteer in the Hanover Park Fire Department in 1980 before being hired by Chicago in 1986. During his 34 years with the Chicago fire service, Walsh also worked at the Illinois Fire Service Institute and served as Director of Corporate Relations, Development, and Community Engagement, a Field Staff Instructor, Public Information Officer, and a curriculum developer. He holds a Masters Degree in Fire and Emergency Management Administration from Oklahoma State University.
Saying that Deputy Chief Walsh brings immense knowledge, experience, and leadership to Burbank, Burbank Fire Chief Martin Kreil stated that “Walsh’s decades of service in one of the nation’s busiest fire departments have shaped him into a seasoned leader with deep operational expertise and a steadfast commitment to firefighter safety and public service.”
The Burbank Fire Department continued adding to its ranks on September 24 when the City Council approved the promotion of Firefighter Dave Fikac to the rank of Engineer. Chief Kreil explained that Fikac’s “dedication, skill, and leadership have already made a powerful impact, and this next chapter is a testament to his commitment to protecting and serving the City of Burbank.”
