Ex-fire chief taking break from retirement to help out

A former Elgin fire chief is getting his old job back --temporarily.

Former Chief John Henrici has been named the city's interim director of fire and emergency medical services, while the city looks for a new fire chief, officials said.

Henrici will take over for departing chief Mike Falese, who resigned over the summer to take an assistant fire chief job in Bartlett.

Henrici "will provide the department with a sense of stability as we search for a new fire chief," City Manager Femi Folarin said in a prepared statement. "He knows the department, its history and the people involved."

Henrici is a 46-year veteran in the fire service. He was named Elgin's fire chief in 1986 and served for 17 years until his retirement in 2003.

"I'm extremely excited to come back to Elgin," Henrici said in a prepared statement. "It'll be like coming home."

After his retirement, Henrici served as interim fire director in a number of Illinois municipalities -- most recently in the Homewood area.

Henrici was awarded a 90-day contract worth about $37,000, city officials said.

He is expected to serve until city officials -- working with a national search firm -- find a replacement for Falese.

"We don't anticipate filling the position within 90 days," city spokeswoman Sue Olafson said.

Falese took over as chief after Henrici retired in 2003.

"Chief Falese had a positive impact on the fire department and he will be missed," Folarin said. "And with Henrici serving as the interim, we know the department will operate effectively."