Former Elgin fire chief John (Jack) Henrici has been named Interim Director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and will lead the City’s fire department until a permanent fire chief is named.
“Jack will provide the department with a sense of stability as we search for a new fire chief,” said Elgin City Manager Olufemi Folarin. “He knows the department, its history and the people involved.”
Henrici will serve as the interim director until a permanent replacement is made for retiring chief Mike Falese. Falese was placed at the helm of the fire department after Henrici retired in 2003. Falese has since accepted an assistant position with Bartlett’s Fire Protection District.
“Chief Falese had a positive impact on the fire department and he will be missed,” said Folarin. “And with (former chief) Henrici serving as the interim, we know the department will operate effectively.”
Henrici is a 46-year fire service veteran. He was named Elgin’s fire chief in 1986 and served for 17 years until his retirement in 2003. Throughout his retirement, Henrici was tapped to serve as interim fire director for a host of different cities throughout the state– the most recent being for the Homewood, Ill., area.
“I’m extremely excited to come back to Elgin,” said Henrici. “It’ll be like coming home.”
Henrici’s contract is for 90-days or until a permanent chief is selected.
The City will work with a national search firm to help select the new chief.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of the professionals at the Elgin Fire Department,” said Henrici. “The (fire) department was outstanding when I left and it still is today. I’m excited about the opportunity.”