Chief John Nixon out at Fox River fire district

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – The Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District board ousted Fire Chief John Nixon by terminating the remaining portion of his three-year contract, the district announced in a news release.

At a special meeting Aug. 23, the board voted 4-0 with one absent to end Nixon’s contract and promote its assistant chief Bert Lancaster as Interim Fire Chief. Board member James Wegman was absent.

The agreement with Nixon provided both parties with an early termination option, which the board elected to exercise, the release stated.

Nixon was hired as chief at the Fox River district 2016, and the board had extended his three-year contract last year, Kenneth Shepro, the district’s attorney said.

“Bert has incredible knowledge and experience that he brings to his new assignment,” board president Kristin LeBlanc stated in the release. “We are definitely optimistic about the future of our district under his leadership.”

Two new trustees were elected in April and LeBlanc replaced Bob Hanley as board president as of May. LeBlanc said the board’s decision not to continue with Nixon as chief had more to do with this new leadership on the board.

The board also swore in Lancaster at the special meeting as the fire district’s new interim chief.

Lancaster is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and joined the Fox River district Dec. 1, 2020. Previously, he was an assistant chief for the South Elgin Fire District, the release stated.

Nixon’s phone did not have voicemail and he did not respond to a text message seeking comment.