Illinois Fire Chief Considering Rescinding His Resignation

Posted by: Curt Varone August 25, 2011 1 Comment

An Illinois fire chief who agreed to resign in the midst of a controversy is threatening to rescind his resignation after the president of the fire protection district publically commented on the allegations in violation of a non-disclosure agreement.

Orland Fire Protection District’s Fire Chief Bryant Krizik agreed to accept a retirement package following an investigation into sexually inappropriate material on his department issued computer. The chief has steadfast denied any responsibility for the material, claiming the computer was used by numerous members of the department for training and promotional study purposes.

The investigation was initiated shortly after James Hickey was installed at the president of the Orland Fire Protection District. Chief Krizik was placed on paid administrative leave on May 25, 2011 and an outside legal firm was hired to conduct the investigation.

At a closed-door meeting on Tuesday evening, the results of the investigation were discussed, and the district agreed to a retirement package for Chief Krizik. That package included an agreement that neither side would comment publically on the investigation.

Following the very board meeting where he agreed to the non-disclosure requirement, President Hickey informed reporters that while he could not discuss specifics, “I can tell you that when the details were brought forth, it made my stomach sick.” Apparently not content to let the matter rest, on Wednesday Hickey issued a press release stating that he was “disgusted and shocked” by information found on Chief Krizik’s laptop.

Chief Krizik’s attorney, Richard Gonzalez, said he was floored by Hickey’s comments. “The lawyers worked together with what we thought was an agreement where nobody makes crazy charges against anyone else, and we go our own way. I am surprised to see something like this. We thought we worked out a really nice agreement…and then they go ahead and say stupid things.”

Gonzalez says the chief will decide by next Tuesday whether to rescind his resignation. More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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