Jim Jackson was named chief of the Downers Grove Fire Department today, after serving as acting chief following the August 2009 retirement of Chief Phil Ruscetti.
Jackson was one of five finalists chosen to interview for the position following a competitive search. “Jim Jackson’s outstanding leadership qualities, organizational knowledge and demonstrated commitment to efficiency and innovation make him the best person for the job,” said Village Manager Dave Fieldman.
Jackson has spent 22 years at the DGFD, serving as a fire fighter, technical rescue coordinator, lieutenant and, since November 2001, as deputy chief.
During his tenure with the department, Jackson has worked as planning chief with the Illinois Urban Search and Rescue team and was an integral part of the team responsible for the design and construction of the new Fire Station 2, as well as operational changes recently undertaken to address current financial conditions, according to a village press release.
“I am very proud to serve the Downers Grove community as Fire Chief and look forward to leading the men and women of the department who share my commitment to providing top notch fire protection and emergency medical services,” said Jackson, who will assume his duties as fire chief effective immediately.
I’m wondering why the Village spent all that money on a search for a new Fire Chief and then picked from within their own ranks anyway! Wouldn’t it have been more fiscally prudent to just give him the job last fall and be done with it!? Clearly he is the best choice for the position and the Village would have saved thousands of dollars on the search. Once again, needless expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
It’s when questions like this come up that I wish the village would just answer directly and save me the trouble of running down the answer, but I will look into your question DGLIFER.
The village ran its own search for VM in 2008 rather than engaging a firm to do it. It’s possible they handled the chief search the same way.
I heard yesterday from a village official who offered the following information on the search process leading to Jackson’s selection:
Thanks Elaine for checking on this. I know in the past they have spent tens of thousands of dollars on these searches only to take the candidate from within the Village ranks. Glad to hear that the powers that be were much more prudent this time around!
To give credit where credit is due, Commissioner Bob Barnett saw your earlier comment and offered the response.
I appreciate that info also, thanks Bob! What a great addition to the council Mr. Barnett has been!