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Arlington Heights Fire Department swears in Ben Eschner as lieutenant
Summary
The Village Board witnessed the swearing-in of firefighter-paramedic Ben Eschner to the rank of lieutenant during its May 19 meeting; department leaders and Eschner cited a months-long selection and training process.
Lieutenant Ben Eschner was sworn in to the Arlington Heights Fire Department before the Village Board during its May 19 meeting.
The promotion matters because it fills an operational leadership role on the department’s engine company and recognizes completion of an extended selection and training process that department leaders said takes about five to six months.
Chief Harris (Arlington Heights Fire Department) told the board that candidates invest “about 5 and a half to 6 months” in the process and sacrifice personal time and family time while preparing. He introduced Eschner and outlined certifications the board said Eschner earned, including company fire officer, fire service instructor I, hazmat technician, hazmat incident commander, paramedic, fire apparatus engineer and fire investigator. The chief also noted Eschner earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from Oklahoma State University and serves as an adjunct professor in the Harper College fire science program.
During the swearing-in, Eschner spoke directly to the department and his family, thanking leadership, mentors and his spouse. He said, in part, “I understand there's a lot of responsibility in this position, and I'm ready to take it on.” He also read his oath at the lectern: “I, having been appointed to the office of fire lieutenant in the Village of Arlington Heights in the County of Cook, do solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States…and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office according to the best of my ability.”
Eschner said he plans to continue mentorship work and to “support you the way I've been supported,” adding a note relayed to him by a deputy chief: as a lieutenant he is now responsible not only for his crew but “for the families of your crew.”
The board did not take formal action associated with the promotion during the meeting; the event was conducted as an official swearing-in and public recognition of Eschner’s assignment.
The promotion follows standard departmental selection and certification steps described by Chief Harris and reflects internal advancement rather than a board policy change.
