Palatine firefighter accused of lying under oath resigns from department

A Palatine firefighter facing termination over allegations he lied under oath in earlier disciplinary proceedings has resigned, according to village documents the Daily Herald acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Bryan Maiden, who worked 10 years as a firefighter and paramedic for the department, had previously served a six-day suspension for having a flask containing rum in his locker at the fire station.

During police and fire commission proceedings that led to the suspension, Maiden testified he was being represented by a lawyer named Kathryn Nelson of the law firm of Jaffee & Berlin. Village officials later received a letter from the Chicago firm stating Nelson had never represented Maiden.

The letter led the village to initiate a new round of disciplinary hearings, now seeking to fire Maiden for lying under oath.

Rather than go forward with the hearings, Maiden submitted his resignation letter on Nov. 20 to the Palatine Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

"I appreciate the ten plus years I have been a member of the department," the letter reads. "Thank you to all the men I have had the honor of working with during this time. I will never forget all the countless memories and experiences."

Maiden could not be reached for comment Tuesday. According to village documents, he was earning a salary of $87,569.

Palatine Fire Chief Scott Anderson said Maiden submitted his resignation voluntarily and without the request of the village.

He said Maiden would be eligible to receive his pension when he reaches the appropriate age, but it will be at a vastly reduced rate than what it would have been had he retired after 20 years of service. He said Maiden also could ask to get his contributions back, but that would need to be approved by the Palatine Fire Pension Board.

Anderson did not comment further on Maiden's resignation.