The Chicago Ridge Village Board welcomed newly appointed Fire Chief Paul Chocola at its Aug. 18 meeting, as retiring Chief Bob Smart said goodbye.
Chocola, of New Lenox, spent much of his 33-year career with the Oak Lawn Fire Department, where he started as a firefighter/paramedic in 1993. He rose through the ranks to become battalion chief in 2023 before being named deputy fire chief in Oak Forest in 2024.
After Mayor Jack Lind swore in Chocola, Smart followed fire department tradition by passing his chief badge to his successor.
“As I close this chapter of my career, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this community,” Smart said. “Being fire chief is one of the greatest honors of my professional life.”
Smart credited the entire department, residents and village officials for the department’s success. “Together we have continued to strengthen our department while keeping residents’ safety as our highest priority,” he said.
Smart, who attended with his wife Lynn and children Nick and Emily, is planning to move to Fort Myers, Florida.
Trustee Bill McFarland, the fire department liaison, read a proclamation recognizing Smart’s 28 years of service to the village and acknowledging his family’s sacrifices. Smart’s career spanned 30 years, including stints with the Burbank, Homer Township and North Riverside fire departments.
The search for Smart’s replacement began in January when he informed village officials of his retirement plans. McFarland said the village considered both internal and external candidates, with 24 people from throughout the area expressing interest.
“We feel this gentleman here fits all our criteria and then some,” Mayor Lind said, noting that outside candidates must be a good fit for the existing department.
Chocola said he was honored to accept the position. “I understand the responsibility and my experience tells me that a successful fire department is built on trust, professionalism, accountability and teamwork,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the men and women of the Chicago Ridge Fire Department, the mayor and board, and residents. I don’t want to just maintain what you have accomplished, but build on it,” Chocola said. “Public safety is a team effort and strong relationships are important.”
“My commitment is to work hard, lead with integrity, be accountable, and always make decisions with the best interest of the department and the residents of the village in mind,” he concluded.