Elmhurst Fire Chief Retired Suddenly

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst on Tuesday released the resignation letter from former Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz. This was shortly after Patch published a story saying the city had planned to delay its release for another week.

In the April 4 letter, Anaszewicz told City Manager Jim Grabowski that he was retiring effective immediately from the city.

"I apologize for not getting this letter to you sooner," he said. "I was trying to manage my timeline and deal with family medical issues."

A week ago, the city announced Anaszewicz left after six months at the helm for a "new employment opportunity." Its news release did not make clear when Anaszewicz's last day was. Patch immediately filed a public records request for his resignation letter.

Under state law, the city had five business days to produce the record, deny the request or seek an extension.

On Tuesday morning, the city clerk's office told Patch it was extending by another week.

Under the state's open records law, resignation letters are public record. Usually, they are among the easier records requests to satisfy.

Patch left a message through Facebook with Anaszewicz, an Elmhurst resident.

In October, Anaszewicz was appointed as the chief after serving as interim chief for a year and a half. His resignation came as a surprise.

The city said Battalion Chief Richard Dufort, a 30-year veteran of the fire department, would serve as the interim chief.