East Dundee fire chief saluted on last day

Old friends, relatives and local residents gathered outside East Dundee Fire Station One this morning to say goodbye to East Dundee Fire Protection District Chief Mark Rakow Monday on his final day at work.

Police and fire officials from departments across the area stood with dozens of family members and residents to salute the 38-year veteran who was relieved of his duties on Friday after fire protection district trustees voted to place Rakow on administrative leave. "We all felt it was important to be there this morning and show our support on his last day," Carpentersville Assistant Fire Chief Steve Roesslein said. "That's not the way you want to see someone get out of the fire service; not someone who gave 38 years of dedicated service."

Rakow will remain on paid leave until his contract expires Dec. 31, 2011.

East Dundee Assistant Chief Steve Schmitendorf was named acting chief.

Mike Baker, assistant fire chief in Elgin, said Rakow was a pivotal part of the success of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm Service District II, a collaboration of 15 local fire departments.

"He is a quality individual who runs a quality department," Baker said. "Mark always had great cooperation of with other chiefs and was always willing to assist and help out in an emergency."

Rakow began his career with the fire department in 1971 as a firefighter, was promoted to lieutenant in 1980 and took over as chief in 1986 after his father, Eugene Rakow, retired.

"I didn't plan on leaving this way," said Rakow, who spent less than five minutes in the building, "I hope I made a difference."

Fire protection district trustees voted 2-1 Friday afternoon to remove Rakow from the role of chief. Trustee Hank Clemmensen voted with Trustee John Bonkoski not to renew Rakow's contract. The only reason Clemmensen gave was that it is time for a change. Fire protection board President Mark Guth voted to retain Rakow.

Clemmensen said the board had not discussed permanently filling the role.

• Daily Herald Photographer Christopher Hankins contributed to this report.

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