Clarendon Hills Fire Chief Brian Leahy has spent his whole life living and working in Clarendon Hills.
Q: How long have you been fire chief?
A: I’ve been the chief since 1985. I started with the department when I was 16; I joined the cadet program in 1971.
Q: When you were a little boy, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A fireman. I always liked it when I was growing up. I loved looking at the fire trucks.
Q: If you hadn’t become a firefighter, what do you think you would be doing?
A: An airline pilot. I’ve always liked airplanes.
Q: How long have you been married, and how many children do you have?
A: I’ve been married for almost 30 years. I have two stepsons, 35 and 34, and a daughter, who is 27.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I like to travel and to take care of my yard.
Q: What’s your favorite place to which you have traveled?
A: Honolulu
Q: Where do you most want to go of places you’ve never been?
A: Alaska
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Chicago Fire”
Q: What was your favorite childhood toy?
A: Matchbox cars. I had a gazillion of those.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Pizza
Q: What do you like on your pizza?
A: Bacon, pepperoni, and sausage
Q: What is your favorite beverage?
A: Dr Pepper
Q: How about favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Chocolate
Q: Do you have a favorite candy bar?
A: I have a favorite candy — Fannie May Mint Meltaways
Q: What’s your favorite area restaurant?
A: Wildfire in Oak Brook
Q: What superpower would you like to have?
A: Keep it from snowing in the winter.
Q: Who should play you in a movie about your life?
A: Ben Gazzara
Q: Who is your favorite actor?
A: Clint Eastwood
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: A corned beef sandwich from Manny’s Deli in Chicago
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Twitter: @chuckwriting
