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TO: Aurora City Council
FROM: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
DATE: January 21, 2016
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of Gary Krienitz as Fire Chief for the City of Aurora, Illinois.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of the appointment of Gary Krienitz to the position of Fire Chief for the Aurora Fire Department.
BACKGROUND:
In 2015, current Fire Chief John Lehman notified Mayor Weisner of his intention to retire in early 2016. Upon Chief Lehman's announcement, the Mayor invited all Fire Department Personnel holding the rank of Captain or higher who were interested in applying for the position of Fire Chief to submit a resume. Six (6) internal candidates submitted resumes and were interviewed.
DISCUSSION:
The candidate's process was extensive, and similar to the Police Chief selection process, included surveys, presentations, management evaluations and multiple interviews. Following the selection process, Mayor Weisner has recommended Fire Marshal Gary Krienitz to serve as the next Fire Chief for the City of Aurora.
Gary has served as a member of the Aurora Fire Department since 1997, beginning as a Firefighter/Paramedic and working his way through the ranks, earning promotions to Lieutenant, Captain and most recently, Fire Marshal. He has been recognized by the Fire Department numerous times, winning Firefighter of the Year and earning a Unit Citation for Exceptional Skills and Dedication to Duty in 2014.
Over the course of his career, Gary has earned more than 15 certifications and has completed more than 50 training courses through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Illinois Fire Service Institute, the Illinois State Police Academy for Arson and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He has also served as the Team Lead for both the Aurora Fire Department Arson Team and the DuPage County Fire Investigation Task Force.
If approved, Gary will be sworn-in just prior to Chief Lehman's retirement. A copy of his resume is attached for your review.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request this item be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of Gary Krienitz as Fire Chief for the City of Aurora, Illinois.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the position of Fire Chief by reason of the upcoming retirement of the current Chief; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor finds and determines that Gary Krienitz meets and exceeds all of the necessary qualifications and requisite skills and experience to perform the job requirements of the position; and
WHEREAS, after giving due regard and consideration, the Mayor recommends that Gary Krienitz be appointed the next Fire Chief of the Aurora Fire Department for the City of Aurora, Illinois effective upon Chief Lehman's retirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Gary Krienitz is hereby appointed Fire Chief for the Aurora Fire Department effective upon Chief Lehman's retirement.