Submitted by the Evanston Fire Department
After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Fire Captain Anthony “Tony” Yee retired on November 1. Yee started his career in May of 2000 as a firefighter/paramedic and was promoted to fire apparatus operator in June 2012 and fire captain in November 2014.
Captain Yee is a decorated firefighter who received a Fire Chief’s Letter of Commendation and Special Recognition Award. The Letter of Commendation recognizes Yee’s exceptional skill and professionalism as a firefighter/paramedic. The Special Recognition Award was received for his bravery and steadfast commitment to providing emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yee was an incredible asset to the department. He served on the personal watercraft rescue team, was a self-contained breathing apparatus technician and CPR instructor, and served as a mentor to candidates new to the profession. Yee served as election chair for the AFFI Local 742 for twelve years and participated in the annual Police and Fire Grill-Off, winning two years in a row for his outstanding culinary skills.
Yee is a highly trained professional. He received his Vehicle and Machinery Operations, Vertical I, and NFPA Command and Control certifications within his first few years. Later, Yee received his Firefighter III, Fire Officer I, Hazmat Technician I and II, Hazmat Incident Command, Instructor II, Inspector I and II, Investigator, Public Educator and Life Safety Educator, Basic Fire Prevention Officer and Safety Officer training while on the department. While in the Fire Prevention Bureau, Yee received certification in Residential and Advanced Sprinkler Plan Review, Basic Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Plan Review and NIFSI NFPA 13 Fire Sprinkler Plan review.
Yee received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University in 2006.
Fire Chief Paul Polep commented, “Tony’s retirement reflects a career of incredible service, dedication, and selflessness while on the Evanston Fire Department. Tony has been a true asset to our team, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the best outcome for our residents. On behalf of the fire department, I sincerely thank Tony for his contributions and wish him and his family a well-deserved retirement.”