Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: The Tri-State Fire Protection District is now searching for a new fire chief after Jack Mancione resigned earlier this month, just 18 months into his contract, according to Eric Habercoss, the president of the district’s board of trustees. At its meeting on Monday, the board named Battalion Chief Patrick Brenn as the acting fire chief while they look for a permanent replacement. The Tri-State district serves areas such as Burr Ridge, Darien, Willowbrook, Willow Springs, and unincorporated parts of DuPage County. Mancione had taken over as chief following the retirement of Michelle Gibson in February 2014. Gibson’s retirement package drew criticism from the Better Government Association, which pointed out that she received $115,000 for unused vacation, sick, and personal days, plus an additional $22,000. Mancione's own retirement agreement, approved by the board on November 16, will not be made public until he receives a copy, which is expected soon, according to the district’s administrative assistant. Habercoss defended the agreement, stating it was based on Mancione’s original contract, which was approved before he joined the board in April. A week after Mancione retired, Deputy Fire Chief William Just also stepped down. In recent months, the Edgar County Watchdog website has raised concerns about Mancione’s handling of equipment donations and the release of employee health information in response to a FOIA request. Mancione has not commented on these allegations. Habercoss mentioned that the board is exploring options with an executive recruiting firm and the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs to determine the cost of hiring outside help for the search. The goal, he said, is to find a chief who can streamline operations, modernize policies, and improve overall administration. The district has faced increased scrutiny since the Better Government Association reported last year that trustee Julie Strenzel, who was in a civil union with former Chief Michelle Gibson, did not recuse herself from voting on Gibson’s salary and retirement package. Strenzel ran for re-election in April but lost to Habercoss. Hamilton Gibbons, the previous board president when Gibson retired, later stepped down. Bob Jewell took his place. In August, Trustee Mike Orrico resigned after stating he no longer lived within the district. The remaining two trustees interviewed several candidates and selected Joseph Wolski to fill the vacancy. In response to community pressure, the board has voted to expand the number of trustees from three to five. However, legal opinions differ on when the expansion can take effect. Habercoss prefers to wait until the April 2017 election to make the change. At its November 16 meeting, the board also directed the Board of Fire Commissioners to proceed with hiring three new firefighters. “We seem to be moving in the right direction,†Habercoss said. Washing Towel Box Packaging Machine, Led Packaging Machine Wenzhou Selection Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.zj-packaging.com