Rolling Meadows fire chief retiring Friday

Rolling Meadows Fire Chief Ron Stewart is retiring at the end of the week, ending more than 25 years of service to the department.

Deputy Chief Scott Franzgrote will be moving up to take his place on an interim basis, officials decided after Stewart's plans to step down were disclosed to city aldermen during a closed meeting last week.

Stewart, 50, started as a firefighter/paramedic with the department in 1985 and has been there his entire career. He moved up through the ranks during his tenure, holding posts including captain of training and deputy chief before being appointed chief in 2006.

He said it was simply time to move on, but postponed his retirement for a time to help finish a few projects with the city.

“I'm looking forward to retirement, but I'll miss the members of the department and all the community has done for me as well,” Stewart said.

The city will not begin an immediate search for a permanent replacement. Franzgrote will serve as acting chief for the rest of the year and then be evaluated, said City Manager Barry Krumstok.

“He's very qualified and I'm sure he's going to do a fine job and continue to move the department forward,” Stewart said of Franzgrote, who has also been with the department for more than 20 years.

Stewart said he's happy with what he accomplished as chief, including reducing operational costs by working with neighboring departments, implementing a 5-year strategic plan and helping transition to the Northwest Central Dispatch System as the department's emergency dispatch provider, a move he says reduced response times.

“The department is in a better place since he's been chief,” Krumstok said. “He's made it a better place to work and a better place for the residents of Rolling Meadows to live. He has been one of those fine chiefs that once you find them you don't want to lose them, but we're also happy he's able to retire.”

According to documents on the city's website, Stewart was paid $150,209 in 2011.

Stewart said he has no immediate future plans beyond spending time with family and friends.

“I'll miss the camaraderie of the people the most,” he said. “It's been a lifelong dream of mine to be a firefighter. I'll miss the excitement of the job.”