No clear answers in E. Dundee fire chief's ouster

East Dundee and Countryside Fire Protection District board members remained mum on plans for replacing former fire Chief Mark Rakow, despite questioning from Rakow supporters at Tuesday's board meeting.

Rakow was placed on administrative leave last month after 38 years with the district, 23 of which were as chief. Trustees Hank Clemmensen and John Bonkoski voted for Rakow's ouster, while board President Mark Guth voted to retain Rakow.

Board members have said the district "needed a change," and one trustee, Bonkoski, recently wrote in a letter to the Daily Herald that Rakow refused to obtain certifications expected of a fire chief.

Bonkoski wrote that the board had given Rakow 12 months to complete the first level of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Fire Officer Series, and Rakow did not comply.

Assistant Fire Chief Steve Schmitendorf was named interim chief. The fire protection district covers all or portions of East Dundee, South Barrington, Barrington Hills and unincorporated areas in Kane and Cook counties.

After a 10-minute closed session meeting Tuesday, trustees emerged without taking action on or addressing the issues discussed in executive session.

A second closed session also failed to yield a response from board members. Though personnel issues were noted on the agenda, it is not clear whether trustees discussed issues related to Rakow.

That drew the ire of former colleagues and residents who asked trustees to explain their decision to remove Rakow from the top spot and to offer a plan to fill the position.

"Those of you who said there was a need for a change, I would like you to explain why," said Chris Soderstrom, an East Dundee resident. "What problems were there that required Chief Rakow's removal?"

Soderstrom said the requested certifications were not appropriate for the fire chief as the training involved was for an entry-level officer.

"He dedicated his life to the community and he deserves the chance to finish his term," Soderstrom said.

Dennis Ahrens, former fire chief in Crystal Lake, suggested ulterior motives of board members and called the decision a "disgrace."

When asked to outline a plan to replace Rakow, trustees offered little explanation.

"That is something we are still working on," Clemmensen said. "We will keep you posted on those questions."

Answers: No response from trustees after two closed sessions