Why La Grange Fire Chief Is Leaving

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange Fire Chief Terry Vavra has a reason for leaving the fire department at month's end.

He is departing before he turns 65, which officials said was the mandatory retirement age for firefighters in Illinois.

"I guess you have to retire at 65," Trustee Beth Augustine told Vavra at Monday's Village Board meeting. "But it's a really big shame for us because there is truly no one more young at heart."

Augustine joined other officials in praising Vavra's service to the village.

"You led La Grange during some difficult times with COVID," Village President Mark Kuchler said. "You were always professional and made sure the department was respected by neighboring villages."

Vavra took the helm in June 2019. He has been a firefighter for more than 45 years, having been chief of departments in Norridge Park and Buffalo Grove.

In a speech, Vavra said he learned of the character of La Grange firefighters during his 2019 swearing-in ceremony. Almost the entire fire department was present, he said.

"They supported me and that support has never wavered in the time I've been here," he said. "They exude pride in the service."

Vavra said the quality of local firefighters is admirable.

"It's not because of me. It's because of the leadership that came before me," he said. "I'm so grateful because it made my job very, very easy."

The board voted to appoint John Buckley, former chief of the Pleasantview Fire District, as the interim chief while officials conduct a search.