Mundelein welcomes new fire chief

With the audience full of firefighters and family members, longtime Mundelein resident Tim Sashko was sworn in as the village's new fire chief Monday night.

The site of the ceremony was fitting: the basement of the main fire station on Midlothian Road, where the village board holds its twice-monthly meetings.

Dressed in his formal uniform and white cap, Sashko, who had led Buffalo Grove's fire department since 2002, called his new post his second brass ring.

"It certainly is an honor to reach another pinnacle in my career," he said.

As is department tradition, Sashko's wife, Jennifer, pinned his new badge to his jacket after he took the oath of office. He is the department's 11th chief.

Sashko thanked his family, Mayor Kenneth H. Kessler, the board and the many firefighters in the room for their support.

Sashko replaces Randy Justus as Mundelein's fire chief. Justus had been Mundelein's top firefighter from 1990 until he retired late last year.

Deputy Chief Craig Adams had served as interim chief after Justus' departure. He'll remain with the department.

Until Monday, Sashko's entire 28-year firefighting career had been with the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. He was named Illinois Fire Chief of the Year in 2006 by the state fire chiefs association.

Sashko said the Mundelein department has a great foundation. He pledged a strong program of fire safety and prevention.

In the wake of Sashko's job change, Buffalo Grove Deputy Chief Peter Ciecko will serve as his department's interim chief.