Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

La Grange welcomed a new fire chief Monday as Terrence Vavra was sworn in to the position. Vavra, who replaces the retiring Donald Gay, was selected after the village employed the services of GovHR, who narrowed the search down to six individuals, who were then assessed and evaluated by village staff and at least one village board member.

His starting salary will $118,500 per year, and he will receive the same medical/health insurance and retirement benefits as other village employees. He has no contract, and is an “at will” employee who serves at the pleasure of the village, meaning his employment might be terminated at any time, providing the reasons aren’t discriminatory.

Vavra holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Western Illinois and a Masters Degree in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University. 

His most recent position was the fire chief of Norwood Park. He has also served in leadership positions with the Buffalo Grove and Lisle-Woodridge fire departments.

Tags: Fire Chief Terry Vavra, La Grange Fire Department, new fire chief for La Grange FD, Terrence Vavra