NBC Chicago aligns with BGA on Tri-State FPD decisions

NBC Chicago has published an article along with a related video segment that raises questions about the decisions made by the Tri-State Fire Protection District (FPD) board of trustees regarding the recent retirement of Fire Chief Michelle Gibson. Chief Michelle Gibson, who recently stepped down from her role, left behind several unanswered questions as she left office. She is in a civil union with Jill Strenzel, a woman who is not only her life partner but also one of her supervisors and one of just three trustees overseeing the fire district, which is based in southwest suburban Darien and serves parts of four towns and unincorporated DuPage County. Two weeks ago, Strenzel and her two fellow trustees unanimously approved a retirement package for Gibson, which will pay her approximately $136,000 at the end of the year—primarily for unused sick days and vacation time. The payment includes compensation for unused time from as far back as 1989, which has sparked controversy. Shawn Collins, an attorney who specializes in employment contracts and disputes, reviewed the agreement and called it “ridiculous.” He pointed out that he has never seen a situation where someone was paid for unused sick days from over 20 years ago. Collins described the Tri-State Fire District as resembling a “fiefdom or a private family business,” where individuals who know each other are making decisions about how to distribute funds. Gibson’s resignation followed a year-long investigation by the Better Government Association and NBC 5 Investigates, which revealed a significant increase in spending on equipment, entertainment, and legal expenses during the six years she served as chief. Notably, the same trustees, including her life partner, approved each annual budget. When BGA investigator Katie Drews asked the three trustees about the details of Gibson’s retirement agreement, the new fire chief, Jack Mancione, responded instead with emails stating that “the trustees feel it is fair and reasonable to the taxpayers.” House Republican leader Jim Durkin, who represents the area, said the situation “screams for public accountability.” Thanks to multiple sources. Previous posts are HERE, HERE, and HERE.

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