Downers Grove names new fire chief

DOWNERS GROVE – Downers Grove Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Pindelski will become the village's new fire chief effective Sept. 1. He replaces Chief Jim Jackson, who will retire Aug. 31 following a 30-year career with the department, according to a village news release.

"Chief Pindelski has a great deal of experience in all areas of fire department operations and is a proven leader in emergency situations," said Village Manager Dave Fieldman, who appointed Pindelski to lead the department.

Since joining the Fire Department in April 1993, Pindelski has served as a firefighter, lieutenant, battalion chief of support services, battalion chief shift commander, emergency management coordinator, deputy chief of operations and deputy chief of administration, the release stated.

He has a master's degree in public safety from Lewis University and a graduate certificate in managerial leadership.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve such a great community and lead an organization made up of people that are second to none," Pindelski said. "I look forward to carrying on the great things brought forward by my predecessors and continuing to uphold the highest standards of the fire service for our citizens."

Pindelski is a credentialed chief fire officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and a chief fire officer designee through the Illinois State Fire Marshal. He has participated in obtaining grant funding, negotiating union contracts and preparing department budgets, the release stated.

As manager of the ISO rating project, he helped the department obtain a Class 1 Public Protection Rating. In addition, he has authored several textbooks and numerous articles focusing on fire service tactics and leadership issues.