New Lenox Fire Protection District Promotes 3 To Key Leadership Roles

NEW LENOX, IL — The New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) Board of Commissioners on Thursday announced the promotion of three dedicated members to its leadership ranks.

Following the approval by the Commissioners to fill current vacancies, Brian Applegate has
been promoted to Deputy Chief, Daniel Vanek to Battalion Chief, and Luke Wroblewski to
Lieutenant.

All three officers will officially begin their new roles on Feb. 28.

“These promotions were all well-deserved," said NLFPD Chief Adam Riegel. "All three have worked extremely hard to get to where they are, and we couldn’t be prouder of them for their efforts,” “We want to congratulate them on all they have done and thank them for helping us become stronger as a district.”

Meet the Newly Promoted Officers

Deputy Chief Brian Applegate: Applegate began his service with the District as a contracted member in 2009 and was officially hired in 2014. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and transitioned to Battalion Chief on Red Shift in 2022. A highly specialized leader, he is a member of the Fire Investigation team, Hazmat Team, and Illinois Task Force 1, and has previously served as the Department Training Officer.

Battalion Chief Daniel Vanek: Joining the District in 2010, Vanek saw a swift rise to leadership, earning a promotion to Lieutenant in 2012. In addition to his service on the Technical Rescue Team, Vanek has been a prominent leader within the organization, serving as Union President of the New Lenox Professional Firefighters Local 5097.

Lieutenant Luke Wroblewski: Since joining the NLFPD in 2019, Wroblewski has been an integral part of the District’s specialized operations. He serves on the drone and technical rescue teams and has acted as a Union Steward. Most recently, he served as the Engineer for Truck 61 on Gold Shift.

The Path to Leadership

The District utilizes rigorous standards to ensure its leadership is highly qualified. The position
of Deputy Chief is an executive appointment.

For the ranks of Battalion Chief and Lieutenant, candidates must complete an intensive assessment center conducted by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to be placed on a promotional list. These lists remain valid for three years, at which point the process is repeated. When vacancies occur, the District promotes the top-qualified candidates from these established lists to lead the crews serving the New Lenox community.