Glen Ellyn fire chief resigns without explanation

A 31-year veteran of Glen Ellyn’s volunteer fire department has resigned as chief without explanation.

Pete Campbell, who served as chief of the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company since April 2011, recently told members of the company and village officials he was stepping down. An election among the rank-and-file firefighters to pick his replacement is scheduled for Friday.

Campbell is the 10th chief in the company’s 105-year history. He took over for Scott Raffensparger, who was chief for 10 years.

Lt. Craig Eldridge, the fire company’s spokesman, said Campbell “decided to resign and put in a letter to retire.” Campbell has been working with interim Chief Jeff Buccola on a transition, Eldridge said.

The 62-member fire company holds elections for the chief and assistant chief positions every April. Since Campbell is leaving before his term ends, a special election has been scheduled.

Buccola, who has been the department’s assistant chief, is expected to be a candidate, but it’s ultimately up to the membership to decide. Should Buccola be chosen as chief, the rank-and-file would also have to pick a new assistant chief.

Though the Glen Ellyn fire company is one of the few remaining volunteer departments in the area, it does employ one full-time administrator. Campbell had been serving in that role, though the position is not one in the same with the chief post. It’s possible someone else could be hired for the full-time paid position, Eldridge said.

Village Manager Mark Franz said village government traditionally has no formal role in the selection of the chief, beyond appointing the fire company’s pick as an executive officer of the village.

Campbell did not respond to requests for comment.