Chicago Ridge’s Fire Chief Bob Smart received a surprise service award at the same Village Board meeting on July 28 where his pending retirement was announced.
Smart, promoted to chief two years ago, will step down Aug. 14 after 31 years in fire service. He and his wife, Lynn, are moving to Fort Myers, Florida, at month’s end.
Jeff Rath of the Office of the State Fire Marshal presented Smart with a framed award honoring his 28 years of service to the village.
“He is being honored for his dedication to the village and the principles of firefighting,” Rath said. “This is even more enjoyable because I actually know Bob, and we have worked together over the years.”
Smart said he was caught off guard by the recognition.
“Thank you very much for presenting this to me. What an honor,” Smart said. “And thank you to everyone who kept this a secret from me. You will all be punished for it later,” he joked.
When board members pressed him to make a speech, Smart declined, saying he had nothing prepared. He said he will likely speak at the next Village Board meeting on Aug. 11, when his successor is named. A retirement party is being planned.
Smart’s last official duty was presiding over the pinning ceremony for two new firefighter-paramedics, Daniel Janik and Brian Lacey, who were sworn in at the meeting.
Village Clerk Barbara Harrison also swore in three new police officers: Alexander Morales, Mark Green and Nicholas Strama. Police Chief Anthony Layman said the three are being “fast-tracked” into the department but still must complete police academy training.
“I would like to thank their families for sharing these guys with us,” Mayor Jack Lind said. “Chicago Ridge does have a family atmosphere and we think the world of them. We hope they stay here for 30 years.”