Hinsdale Fire Chief Retiring Next Month

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale's fire chief plans to retire next month after 32 years with the fire department.

John Giannelli, who took the helm seven years ago, submitted his resignation letter last month. His last day is April 5.

With his retirement, the village is considering doing away with the deputy chief's position.

In a memo, Village Manager Kathleen Gargano said the village's needs are best met by doing away with the post.

"With each vacancy in the Village, the Village routinely takes the opportunity to evaluate staffing needs against the work the department must accomplish," she said.

In a brief interview, Giannelli said such staffing reviews are normal, but declined to comment further.

Jon Carlson is the current deputy chief. The village's proposal on his position may indicate that he is in line for the top job, although no one has said that publicly.

At Tuesday's Village Board meeting, Bret Mowery, who lives on Stough Street, urged the Village Board to think twice before axing the deputy chief's position.

"It's comfortable knowing that Chief Giannelli and Deputy Chief Carlson live close by and they're able to come back here in times of storms and any other major incidents in town," Mowery said. "My concern is that we're losing a position that can come into town and take care of problems and help direct mutual aid if that's needed. I would urge you to look a little deeper before you make any final decision for public safety."

The board did not respond to Mowery's comments. It plans to vote on the deputy chief's position at a later meeting.