Orland Fire Chief on Leave Indefinitely for 'Personal Reasons'

Photo: Schofield (left) and Brucki (right) during a presentation last year recognizing Schofield for 35 years of service.

Orland Park Fire Protection District Chief Ken Brucki has taken a paid leave of absence indefinitely, according to a district spokesman.

Brucki, who was appointed chief in 2012, requested the leave for “personal reasons” last week, said spokesman Ray Hanania in an email, and Battalion Chief Michael Schofield has been appointed to assume his duties effective Thursday.

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The board reviewed Brucki’s request during its executive session at the board meeting on Tuesday, and then voted immediately after the executive session, as a formality, to approve the leave and the appointment of Schofield as interim chief.

Brucki was not present at the meeting. In his absence, Schofield presented longevity awards to firefighters during the meeting.

In 2011, Brucki was chosen from three applicants to step into the role of chief vacated by Bryant Krizik, who had been on administrative leave.

Brucki’s previous experience includes the Pleasantview Fire Protection District, where he began in 1994, and Merrionette Park, where be began his career in 1988, as a volunteer firefighter.

Schofield has been with the district since 1978.