Crime & Safety

Oak Forest Fire Chief to Retire after Six Years with Department

Chief Terry Lipinski will step down from his role June 27, the City announced Friday.

After six years of service, Oak Forest Fire Department Chief Terry Lipinski has announced his retirement, effective June 27. 

“We are grateful for Terry’s service and dedication to the City of Oak Forest,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa.  “He has been instrumental in improving operations and updating processes throughout the fire department.  We wish him all the best in retirement.”  

In the midst of the Great Recession, Lipinski reorganized the structure of the fire department to create a more efficient operation without decreasing service levels, according to a release from the city.  He also set up dedicated fire dispatch through the Orland Fire Protection District—moving the city to a fully computerized dispatch system through the use of mobile data computers.  Perhaps most importantly, however, Lipinski increased service to residents by making more staff available during high-call periods, adding Advance Life Support to one of the fire engines, and employing dynamic dispatching to ensure the closest emergency services team is sent to each call, city staff noted.

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“I am proud of the many changes and improvements that the department has been through since I started here,” Lipinski said.  “Residents can take pride in the fact that they have a very efficient and professional fire department.  I wish them and the fire department nothing but the best.”  

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