Jan. 9, 2015 – Peter Pilafas was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in the Oak Park Fire Department during a Jan. 5 ceremony at Village Hall, 123 Madison St.
In his new position, Pilafas will oversee daily operations at the fire department, including personnel management, and budget and policy creation. As the second-in-command at the department, he will be called upon to direct the department’s command-level response during emergencies.
Prior to his promotion, Pilafas oversaw an engine company and coordinated firefighter training, CPR courses and child safety seat inspections. Among his goals for 2014 is the implementation of a new computer-aided dispatch system in conjunction with the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center.
Oak Park Fire Department Deputy Chief Peter Pilafas. Oak Park photo
Pilafas has worked in the field of firefighting for nearly two decades, with the last 15 years spent in Oak Park. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from Governor’s State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Benedictine University.
His promotion comes amid several key leadership moves at the fire department. Donald Michael Bush was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief; Gregory Badger was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant; and Jacob Gloodt was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. As a result of these promotions, the department expects to bring in four new firefighter/paramedics by the end of January.
thanks Dan
#1 by Mike on January 13, 2015 - 8:58 PM
From the article sounds like he really earned the postion, Usually the Deputy Chief position goes to a Clout baby, or a guy looking to bump his pension . Good to see some young blood getting promoted. Best of luck 🙂
#2 by Dmc77 on January 13, 2015 - 2:51 PM
Mike – we used to have 2 deputy chiefs, a battalion chief in fire prevention, and a BC and
Lt. in training. The chief and deputy chief are both very much involved in the operations of the dept. There really is that much to do.
#3 by mike mc on January 12, 2015 - 8:48 PM
I hope they embelished the deputy chief’s job description a little because it makes you wonder what the chief of the department does and if he/she is really needed.