Excerpts from the Village of Downers Grove:

Village Manager David Fieldman has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Scott A. Spinazola to the position of fire chief for the Village of Downers Grove, effective Saturday, July 24, 2021. He assumes the role with the retirement of former Chief Jeff Pindelski.

Spinazola joined the Downers Grove Fire Department in 2016 with 28 years of experience in the fire service. Over the past five years as deputy chief, he has been responsible for fire suppression and rescue, Emergency Medical Services activities, and specialized rescues. As Deputy Director of the Emergency Management Agency, he has developed plans for responses to the pandemic, natural disasters and other emergencies. In addition, he is also responsible for strategic planning, the oversight of Standard Operating Procedures, and the training of all fire personnel. 

Throughout his career, Spinazola has served as a Training and Safety Bureau Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and a Firefighter/EMT. He has also received recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty including, Firefighter of the Year, Field Educator of the Year (nominee), and the Joseph Hartmann Award (nominee).