Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
The Tri-State Fire Protection District is currently searching for a new fire chief following the unexpected resignation of Jack Mancione earlier this month, which left 18 months remaining on his contract. According to Eric Habercoss, president of the district’s board of trustees, the board has appointed Battalion Chief Patrick Brenn as acting fire chief during the transition period.
The Tri-State Fire Protection District serves several communities, including parts of Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, Willow Springs, and unincorporated areas of DuPage County. It provides essential fire protection and emergency services to these regions.
Mancione took over as chief in 2014 after the retirement of Michelle Gibson, whose exit sparked controversy due to a generous severance package that included $115,000 for unused leave and an additional $22,000. The Better Government Association criticized the deal at the time.
Now, Mancione’s own retirement terms are under review. The board approved his agreement on November 16, but it will not be made public until he receives a copy, expected to happen soon. Habercoss claims the agreement was fair and based on Mancione’s existing contract, which was signed before he joined the board in April.
A week after Mancione stepped down, Deputy Fire Chief William Just also retired, adding to the leadership changes within the department.
Meanwhile, the Edgar County Watchdog website has raised concerns about Mancione’s handling of equipment donations and the release of employee health information in response to a FOIA request. Mancione has not commented on these allegations.
To ensure a smooth transition, the board is exploring options for outside help in hiring a new chief. They are consulting with an executive recruiting firm and the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs to understand the costs involved. Habercoss emphasized that they want a leader who can bring modernization and improve administrative efficiency.
The district has faced increased scrutiny since last year, when it was revealed that trustee Julie Strenzel, in a civil union with former Chief Michelle Gibson, did not recuse herself from voting on Gibson’s compensation and retirement package. Strenzel lost her re-election bid to Habercoss in April.
Earlier leadership changes include the resignation of former board president Hamilton Gibbons, who was replaced by Bob Jewell. In August, Trustee Mike Orrico resigned after stating he no longer lived in the district. A new trustee, Joseph Wolski, was selected to fill the vacancy.
In response to community demands for more representation, the board voted to expand the number of trustees from three to five. However, legal opinions differ on when this change can take effect. Habercoss supports waiting until the 2017 election to make the switch.
At its recent meeting, the board also directed the Fire Commissioners to move forward with hiring three new firefighters, signaling a step toward strengthening the department.
“We seem to be moving in the right direction,†said Habercoss, expressing cautious optimism about the future of the district.
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