Glenside fire chief taking new job in Addison

Glenside Fire Protection District Chief Don Markowski is retiring -- sort of.

The 26-year veteran of the Glendale Heights department is hanging up his hat there and moving on over to Addison, where he'll serve as deputy chief.

"I've done a career here, and I'm ready for new opportunities," Markowski, 47, said.

"Glenside's been a great opportunity," he said. "I'm looking for new challenges and adventures."

His last day on the job will be March 6.

"He has experience and education that is demonstrated in his rise through the ranks in Glenside," said Leigh Fabbri, Addison Fire Protection District chief. "Don's abilities will be a good complement to my methods and abilities."

Markowski started with the Glenside department in 1981 when it still was staffing its station only 12 hours daily. At night, it was a volunteer department.

Three firefighters hired at the same time, including Markowski, allowed Glenside to go to true full-time status, keeping members on duty for 24 hours then off for 48 hours.

"I'm gonna miss the people," Markowski said. "I have so many personal and professional friends and I won't forget those. I feel like Glendale Heights is my town."

The Addison department is roughly three times the size of Glenside, which has one fire station. Addison has three stations and 21 people on duty for each shift, Fabbri said.