BACKGROUND  

The Fire Department’s position title of “Commander” is, to a large degree, out of sync with the rest of the fire service, both locally and nationally.

The title of “Commander” is one typically associated with law enforcement and is somewhat ambiguous when used in the fire service.  Of the 12 local fire departments in MABAS Division 1, Arlington Heights is the only one using the Battalion Commander designation.  A more appropriate and typical title would be “Battalion Chief.”  The three current Commander positions would more appropriately be titled Battalion Chief and the two current Division Commander positions (Emergency Medical Services and Training) would more appropriately be titled Division Chief.   The requested change for these five positions would be in title only and encompass no change in salary, job description duties, management level, etc.  

In order to effectuate this change, modification to the relevant Municipal Code language is required. The attached ordinance modifies the Code to be consistent with the suggested title changes.  

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board adopt the attached Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code.