Friday 23 October 2015

Meet Sauk Village Fire Chief Al Stoffregen

Alan Stoffregen joined the Sauk Village Fire Department on March 8, 1969. Al quickly learned the ways of the fire service and was promoted to Lieutenant October 19, 1970.  Al took classes and earned his Fire Instructor certification, was an EMT, and taught many classes necessary for the firefighters to become certified. 

Al was promoted to Captain May 25, 1976. At that time he was given responsibility to oversee the Fire Prevention Bureau which oversees fire inspections and public education. Al became Assistant Chief October 23, 1979, Deputy Chief November 1, 1992 and finally Chief October 13, 2009.   

As with many members who were on the department in the 1980's, Al says his worst experience as a firefighter was the year when several children died in two separate house fires. On the other hand, Al says his best experience with the department has been being involved with Fire Prevention Education. He says, "There is no substitute for fire safety. People have to make sure they have working smoke detectors in their homes and have an escape plan."

Besides working with the Fire Department Al is retired from the Ford Motor Company. He worked at the stamping plant in Chicago Heights for 42 and ½ years.

Chief Stoffregen has six children and many grandchildren. They live in various cities across the country.


Al has been married to his wife Arlene for fifteen years. They enjoy camping where you will find them most weekends during the summer. They also enjoy traveling and going to live shows.