Village Manager Dave Fieldman announced today that Fire Chief Phil Ruscetti will retire effective August 28, 2009. Chief Ruscetti will take advantage of the Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) that was open to all employees as part of an on-going plan to address financial challenges resulting from the economic downturn. A total of eight employees have volunteered for the program which was approved by the Village Council in June. “I’ve actually been eligible for retirement for over two years, but wanted to see a couple of projects through. The timing is now right given the availability of this program,” stated Ruscetti.
Chief Ruscetti, a member of the Downers Grove Fire Department since 1987, was appointed to this post in 2001. Throughout his 22 year career, he has served in a variety of roles including Fire Fighter Paramedic, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief of Training and Interim Deputy Chief of Operations.
Chief Ruscetti is credited with achieving a number of important goals for the Fire Department including the construction of Fire Station 2, the implementation of operational efficiencies and the establishment of numerous community partnerships with local schools, businesses and citizen groups. “I’m very proud of the improvements made over the last several years in our emergency response, fire prevention and public education programs. The professionalism and competency exhibited by our fire fighters during critical incidents is also another great source of pride for me,” Ruscetti said.
The appointment of an Acting Fire Chief will be announced in the near future.
Thank you Chief Ruscetti for your outstanding service and commitment to our community!
what Chad said! (Hey don’t you still owe me an orange beer? was that you? )
Was the orange beer comment directed at me or the Chief Debbie?
Not the most popular guy with the union for that jump company stuff, but he saved the village some $$ doing it. Hope the next guy is as dedicated. Thank you Chief Ruscetti.
Being a good Chief is not a popularity contest. The Chief found a way to save the village money. That is what the village asked him to find a way to do.
A very affable approachable guy.
A very thoughtful and classy person who runs a very top notch fire department. Good luck and enjoy a well deserved retirement.
Thanks Cheif Ruscetti! I cannot say enough good things about you and the fire/paremedic staff that serve our community. Just over 5 years ago, your fine paremedics stablized my then 4 year old son who was very ill. He was quickly brought to Good Sam’s and then Hope Children’s. Everytime I see those guys at Caribou I say hi and thank them again for being a big part of the reason my son is alive today! We are fortunate to have such great public servants like them and yourself serving DG.
You will be difficult to replace in a difficult era of our Village’s economic history….Good luck in Key Largo or wherever you are going to vaca….
forgot to say thank you, although previous message had implied that.