Board Creates Deputy Chief Position, Approves Vehicle Purchase and Contracts

New Lenox Fire Protection District Meeting | Dec. 15, 2025

Article Summary: Trustees approved several personnel and equipment measures, including the creation of a new Deputy Chief position for 2026 and the purchase of a new command vehicle. Following a closed session, the Board also approved administrative raises and contract renewals for the district’s top leadership.

New Lenox Fire Protection District Key Points:

• New Leadership Role: The Board approved the creation of a Deputy Chief position, noted as a second position on the district side for the 2026 budget.

• Vehicle Acquisition: Trustees authorized the purchase of a 2026 Tahoe equipped with lighting for a total of $72,000.

• Contracts and Raises: 2026 administrative raises and contract renewals for the Chief and Deputy Chief were approved.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, December 15, 2025, authorized an expansion of the district’s leadership structure and approved capital spending for a new vehicle.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the creation of a Deputy Chief position. According to discussion at the meeting, this represents a second position on the district side and is accounted for in the 2026 budget.

In equipment acquisitions, the Board approved the purchase of a 2026 Tahoe through the Illinois State Bid. The vehicle, located in Decatur, has a base cost of $64,000. An additional $8,000 was authorized for lighting, bringing the total approved expenditure to $72,000. Radios for the vehicle are covered by a separate grant.

Following a closed session that lasted approximately 50 minutes, the Board returned to open session to vote on personnel compensation. Trustees unanimously approved the 2026 administrative raises. Additionally, the Board approved the contract renewals for both the Chief and the Deputy Chief.