Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
The Tri-State Fire Protection District is now in search of a new fire chief after Jack Mancione resigned earlier this month, leaving 18 months remaining on his contract. Eric Habercoss, president of the district’s board of trustees, confirmed the news. At a recent meeting, the board named Battalion Chief Patrick Brenn as the acting fire chief.
The Tri-State district covers parts of Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, Willow Springs, and unincorporated areas of DuPage County. It provides essential fire protection services to these communities.
Mancione took over as chief following the retirement of Michelle Gibson in February 2014. Her retirement package sparked controversy when it included $115,000 for unused leave and an additional $22,000. The Better Government Association criticized the agreement at the time.
Details of Mancione’s own retirement terms, which were approved by the board on November 16, will not be made public until he receives a copy—expected this Monday, according to the district’s administrative assistant. Habercoss stated that the agreement was fair and based on Mancione’s original contract, which was approved before he joined the board in April.
A week after Mancione retired, Deputy Fire Chief William Just also stepped down, raising questions about leadership stability within the department.
In recent months, the Edgar County Watchdog has accused Mancione of failing to properly document equipment donations and releasing sensitive employee health information in response to a FOIA request. Mancione did not comment on these allegations.
To ensure a smooth transition, the board is exploring external help through an executive recruiting firm and the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs. Habercoss emphasized the need for a new leader who can bring transparency, modernize operations, and improve overall administration.
The district has faced increased scrutiny following reports that Trustee Julie Strenzel, who was in a civil union with former Chief Michelle Gibson, did not recuse herself from votes on Gibson’s salary and retirement benefits. Strenzel lost her re-election bid in April to Habercoss.
Board changes have been frequent. Hamilton Gibbons, who led the board during Gibson’s retirement, later stepped down. Bob Jewell replaced him, and in August, Trustee Mike Orrico resigned after no longer residing in the district. A new trustee, Joseph Wolski, was selected by the remaining members.
In response to community demands, the board has voted to expand the number of trustees from three to five. Legal opinions on when this change could take effect have varied. Habercoss prefers to wait until the April 2017 election to make the switch.
At its November 16 meeting, the board also directed the Fire Commissioners to move forward with hiring three new firefighters, signaling a step toward rebuilding and reforming the department.
“We seem to be moving in the right direction,†Habercoss said, expressing cautious optimism about the future of the Tri-State Fire Protection District.
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