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MySuburbanLife.com recently featured an article about the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against a battalion chief from the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. The case revolves around the final arguments presented during the hearing, where the battalion chief, Joseph Gilles, claims that his termination and potential suspension stem from his refusal to conceal negligence within the fire protection district. However, district officials argue that the reasons for his dismissal are based on performance issues.
Joseph Gilles, who began his career with the Carol Stream Fire Protection District nearly two decades ago, was placed on suspension back in September 2013 after being accused of insubordination by District Chief Richard Kolomay for declining to sign a performance improvement plan. The district's justification for Gilles' termination includes allegations of performance deficiencies, such as his weight and accusations that he had been sleeping on the job.
Kolomay's legal representative, Karl Ottosen, emphasized that Kolomay had made significant efforts to assist Gilles prior to resorting to formal disciplinary action. Ottosen argued, "In a paramilitary organization, individuals don't have the option to pick and choose which orders they follow. Orders must be adhered to without question."
On the other hand, Gilles' attorney, Aldo Botti, contends that the disciplinary hearing originates from an incident in August 2012 involving a choking victim. During this event, a paramedic attempted to intubate an 81-year-old woman who was choking, despite food still obstructing her airway. A second paramedic arrived and cleared the obstruction, but the woman tragically passed away three days later at the hospital.
Botti has stated that the initial paramedic, Carey Zabran, deviated from established protocols, prompting concerns over the district's handling of the situation. Following this, Kolomay tasked Gilles with conducting an internal investigation, after which Gilles recommended Zabran's termination. Although Zabran was initially instructed to sign a performance improvement plan, she eventually resigned from active duty and now receives a non-duty disability pension. Gilles himself was then required to sign a similar plan addressing issues raised by Kolomay, which he claimed to have found satisfactory, yet he still advised against Zabran's retention.
Botti criticized the performance improvement plan, labeling it as both unlawful and vague. He argued that the plan was overly subjective, leaving the ultimate decision regarding Gilles' compliance entirely in Kolomay's hands, which he deemed inappropriate.
Kolomay's legal team focused their arguments on Gilles' non-compliance with the plan rather than the choking incident itself. Ottosen dismissed any connection between the earlier incident and the current case, stating, "Two paramedics have already been discredited in relation to that case; it has no bearing here. As long as an order is lawful, employees must comply."
Given the extensive documentation involved, the board of commissioners decided to commence closed-session deliberations on Wednesday. The next public hearing is scheduled for October 15th at 4:30 PM, where the final verdict will be announced.
This complex case highlights the delicate balance between organizational discipline and individual rights within a highly structured environment like a fire protection district. It also raises important questions about accountability and transparency in emergency services.