Fire Chief John Dolan will be retiring from the Mount Prospect Fire Department on September 26, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning over three decades of dedicated service to the community.

Chief Dolan, a lifelong resident of Mount Prospect, began his fire service career in 1993 as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter and was sworn-in as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic in 1996. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008, became Deputy Chief in 2015, and appointed Fire Chief in 2021.

Throughout his career, Chief Dolan was known for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety and the Village of Mount Prospect. He was an active member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team, Dive Rescue Team, and served on numerous committees, always working to advance the department and enhance services for the residents of Mount Prospect.

“It has been an absolute privilege to have served this community alongside such a dedicated group of professionals,” says Chief Dolan. “I feel blessed to have found my way into a profession that has never felt like work, and onto a department that has always felt like home. I am deeply grateful for the support of both the Village and members of our department, past and present, all of whom define teamwork. I feel honored to have been a small part of the recent growth of our organization, and I am extremely excited for the future of our department.”

As the department prepares for this transition, it is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Tom Wang will be promoted to Fire Chief. Deputy Chief Wang is a 21-year veteran of the department who was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016 and Deputy Chief in 2021, serving alongside Chief Dolan. He has been actively involved in various aspects of the department, including the Technical Rescue Team, CPR instruction, Safety Committee, Diversity Committee, Clothing Committee, Honor Guard, and several EMS committees.

In addition, Battalion Chief Joe Vena will be promoted to Deputy Chief, filling the vacancy created by Wang’s promotion. Chief Vena brings 19 years of experience and leadership skills that will support the department’s continued mission of service and excellence.

“Chief Dolan has accomplished several major life-safety improvements for our community and Fire Department since being appointed as our Fire Chief four years ago,” said Village Manager Michael Cassady. “His foresight and tenacity helped bring resolution to a long-standing dispute with the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District, activated a fourth ambulance and new Station 11 to enhance fire and EMS response, and created an incredibly high-performing team of Firefighter/Paramedics. His many contributions to our Leadership Team will be missed in a big way,” said Cassady.