Crime & Safety

New Fire Chief for Oak Forest

David Griffin was previously serving as interim deputy chief.

Oak Forest aldermen Tuesday night approved the promotion of lieutenant David Griffin to the role of fire chief. 

Griffin will fill the vacancy left by retiring chief Terry Lipinski. Lipinski announced last week he would be retiring after six years with the district. 

Griffin has previously headed up the department's training division. Last month he stepped into the role of interim deputy chief after Charles Sopko was removed from the role after he and his wife were indicted following accusations of embezzling $352,000 from a Palos Heights Protection Fire District. 

Griffin has been with the department for 14 years, Sun-Times Media reports.

John Janozik, with the department for 28 years, will take over as deputy chief.

Lipinski's last day is June 27. 




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