La Grange Interim Fire Chief Leaving

LA GRANGE, IL – Soon, both the La Grange police and fire departments may be without permanent chiefs.

For the police, the Village Board on Monday appointed an interim chief to replace Robert Wardlaw, who is retiring June 9.

At the fire department, John Buckley is leaving as interim chief after holding the job since January. His contract expires June 1.

Buckley replaced Terry Vavra, who took the helm in 2019. Buckley was formerly chief of the nearby Pleasantview Fire District.

"(Buckley) has been instrumental in ensuring the fire department has remained on solid footing and continued their best pursuits on behalf of residents, visitors and businesses," Village President Mark Kuchler told the board.

Buckley oversaw a major renovation project of the bunk room, kitchen and dining room and established several processes to ensure the day-to-day functioning of the department, Kuchler said.

Nothing was said about who would replace Buckley. In an email Wednesday, Village Manager Jack Knight said, "The Village is in the process of hiring the next Chief, with a start date that will be soon determined."