Palatine welcomes new fire chief

Palatine’s new fire chief, former Deputy Chief Scott Mackeben, officially took over the reins of the department this week, continuing the village’s tradition of promoting from within.

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz presided over the changing of the guard at Monday’s village council meeting.

Mackeben’s wife, Lynn, pinned the department’s historic chief’s badge — a symbol passed down through five previous fire chiefs.

The ceremony opened with outgoing Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna reflecting on his 30-year career with the Palatine department, the last four years as chief.

Schwantz read a resolution of appreciation for the former chief, citing key roles in developing critical training programs and serving on multiple departmental committees. He also served as president of Division 1 of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System.

The mayor thanked Gratzianna’s family for “lending him to us for the last 30 years.”

“It has been the highest privilege of my career to serve as fire chief,” Gratzianna said.

Mackeben, who has been a member of the Palatine department since 2000 and became deputy chief in 2017, emphasized the department's unique culture, stating his goal is to continue supporting the “crews on the street” and maintaining the “Palatine way” of exceptional service.