Fire Chief Leaving Channahon for Plainfield After More than a Decade

When began in the district 12 years ago, firefighters were volunteers. On Jan. 1, 2007, the district changed to full-time employees.

"We went to a full-time, paid organization; in the fire service, they call it a combined department," Riddle said. "That was really a giant leap for the department."

That is one of Riddle's fondest memories during his tenure, which will end in late March when he leaves Channahon to become the second deputy chief. He will be responsible for the administrative side of operations. He'll oversee personnel, including the hiring process and office staff, emergency management services and fire inspections. The other deputy chief, Jon Stratton, will concentrate on training and operations.

Riddle came to in April 1999 from Harvey, where he started as a firefighter in 1974 and left as fire chief in 1996. He said the decision to move to Channahon was really quite simple.

"I applied for the position," Riddle said. "I was the chief in Harvey and ready to move on from there."

Spending 12 years in the district gives him a unique perspective on the personality of this town. And, one year after he accepted his position, he moved his family into town.

"We're there to help our neighbors and it is unfortunate when trouble befalls them," he said. "I'd just as soon it be me. I want to be there when I am needed and help when I can. That’s what drives most of us I think."

Moments and memories

Riddle remembers many moments in his time at the department, but two stand out in his memory. First, when he first came to the village, there was a fire at a business that is no longer in town.

"I remember one fire when I first got here, we had settling tanks blowing up left and right," he said. "We had shrapnel flying around. Luckily no one was hurt."

At the time, Channahon was still an all-volunteer department. But, Riddle said the volunteers then were dedicated to the fire service and knew what they were doing. The district still has volunteers and Riddle said they are as dedicated as the full-time staff.

Riddle speaks well of his coworkers, and said his worst memory in 12 years was when the district lost one of its own on Oct. 13, 2001.

"We lost Ken Frayne," Riddle said. "He lost his life in a training exercise. He was a member of the dive team."

A memorial is now at the in Frayne's honor.

"It's bad enough to lost somebody in the performance of their duties," Riddle said, adding that it is in some ways worse when it happens in training. "There's no rhyme or reason."

Moving on

Riddle is leaving Channahon during what some consider a . However, he said his leaving has nothing to do with that.

"Absolutely nothing," he said. "These are just coincidental events and one has nothing to do with the other."

Even in leaving, he still speaks highly of the village.

"The residents and the people that travel through and visit if you have a fire or other emergency, you’re going to be glad it happened to you in Channahon," he said. "If you need police support and services, this is a great town to be in for that too."

Plainfield Fire Protection District Chief John Eichelberger said he is pleased to have Riddle on board.

"I've known Riddle for a long time; I consider him a friend," he said. "He has a lot of experience."

Riddle's very familiar with the Plainfield department because he has been involved in the past.

"He sat in on all of the hiring board (meetings) as an outside representative," Eichelberger said. "He knows the quality of staff we have here."