Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:
Fred Friedl’s long tenure as the Gurnee fire chief ended abruptly this week when Mayor Kristina Kovarik chose not to reappoint him. Kovarik said she informed Friedl last week she would relieve him of the post he’s held for nearly 20 years. She declined to discuss her reasons for replacing him.
“Everyone who takes these positions knows you have to be reappointed every year,” Kovarik said. “I decided not to reappoint him.”
Asked Wednesday about Friedl’s departure, Village Administrator Patrick Muetz said the village respects the privacy of its employees and does not publicly discuss personnel matters.
On Monday, Kovarik recommended that Deputy Chief John Kavanagh, the department’s deputy chief for more than 10 years, be named acting fire chief. The village board voted unanimously to accept the appointment.
He said Kovarik asked him last week if he would be willing to lead the department while village leaders search for a full-time chief.
thanks Dan
