Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Elgin Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Robert Cagann, a 27-year veteran of the of the department, has been named interim chief until a replacement is found for retired Chief David Schmidt. Cagann started his career as an Elgin firefighter in 1993 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, captain in 2008, battalion chief in 2015, and assistant chief in 2017. During his time as assistant chief, he distinguished himself as a leader in implementing department efficiencies and advancements. He will run a department of 133 fire and emergency personnel at seven fire stations that cover 38 square miles. The department’s annual operating budget is nearly $30 million.
#1 by CrabbyMilton on January 9, 2020 - 5:51 AM
Nothing wrong with that? So if someone gets another job after they retire, should they be cut off from what they earned from their previous employer?
#2 by FFPMTom on January 8, 2020 - 7:51 PM
A lot of the departments in this area have high chief turnover. I think it has more to do with the fact that by the time they make chief they are rather late in their careers and once they hit 30 years and have maxed out pension there is no reason to stay. So they retire and go be chief or another job at another department for a few years and double dip the pension system.
#3 by CrabbyMilton on January 8, 2020 - 12:47 PM
I too would rather promote within. Having said that, as long as you have to go thru a spaghetti plate mess to get that accomplished, if an outsider turns out to be great, then that shouldn’t be a factor all things being equal.
Here in Milwaukee, MFD seems to always promote within and it on balance works. However, the MPD has had very mixed results with outside chiefs. But that’s what happens when you have any number of dysfunctional people on these boards with the mayor being the highest ranking clown around here.
#4 by Mike C on January 8, 2020 - 7:12 AM
I doubt Elgin will hire externally. Most likely the interim will become the chief. Sadly, Elgin seems to get a new chief every 5 years or less. The city politics are disgusting and I’m sure that plays a roll in the common turn around. If the chief doesn’t pander to the city council, they will get axed. Elgin politics are exactly that…politics. Rather than do the right thing, they do the political thing.
#5 by John on January 7, 2020 - 8:20 PM
Why don’t they just make him chief? Why the “search” for one? I’ve never understood this,departments should promote from within.