Mandatory Retirement Eyed In Clarendon Hills

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Clarendon Hills is considering a mandatory retirement age of 65 for members of the fire and police departments.

The village said such a change would mirror state law.

A week ago, Assistant Village Manager Mera Johnson informed affected employees of the proposal.

On Wednesday, Patch obtained one such letter, in which Johnson told an employee, "You are receiving this letter because this change would directly affect your employment with the Village of Clarendon Hills."

She said all employees would be notified when a final decision is made.

The Village Board will consider an ordinance on the change at its meeting Monday, Johnson said.

On Tuesday, the village put Fire Chief Brian Leahy and administrative Lt. Jim Weil on paid administrative leave. Lt. Dave Godek was named the acting chief. Village officials have not returned Patch's messages.

Patch does not know Leahy's age, but he is believed to be at some point in his 60s.

In early 2022, then-Village Manager Kevin Barr was suspended for about two weeks after he made comments about Leahy's age during a meeting. Leahy has been with the department since the early 1970s.

In June, Barr retired after eight years at the helm. Zach Creer, the assistant manager, was promoted to the top job.

Other towns enforce a mandatory retirement age. Last year, La Grange's fire chief, Terry Vavra, cited his coming 65th birthday when he retired.