Lake Zurich trustees honor fire chief

Surrounded by family, residents, village administrators, and friends, retiring Lake Zurich Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea was honored Monday by village board members.

Mayor Suzanne Branding praised Mastandrea's 21-year career and described his many accomplishments, in addition to providing a little insight into the man himself.

“The thing that was most important for him, regardless of the list of goals he has completed, is the relationships he had with other firefighters and other departments,” Branding said.

Mastandrea will retire from the post July 15.

Following her speech and special thanks, which included a plaque, Branding called up members of Mastandrea's family to stand beside him. His mother, wife, daughter, and son were among those in attendance.

An overwhelmed Mastandrea cried a little as he spoke.

“My job is about making your day better,” he said. “We want to provide the best service, and thank you for the trust and support we gained from all of you.”

Mastandrea said it took him 21 years to complete all those accomplishments, but he emphasized the help he received from others.

“It truly is a passion. I did not do it alone,” he explained. “Yes, Terry Mastandrea gets the glory tonight, but if it weren't for my family, residents, village administrators, and other firefighters, I wouldn't be here.”