Richard Dufort to be appointed Chief of the Elmhurst Fire Department
Elmhurst, IL — At the City Council Meeting to be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, City Manager Jim Grabowski will seek City Council’s approval of his recommendation in appointing Interim Fire Chief Richard “Dick” Dufort to Chief of the Elmhurst Fire Department. Dick Dufort has been serving as Interim Fire Chief since April of 2023.
Chief Dufort has more than 30 years of firefighting experience with the City of Elmhurst. An Elmhurst resident and graduate of York Community High School, he went on to complete his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from the College of DuPage and is continuing his education in the Fire Science Management Program at Southern Illinois University. He joined the Elmhurst Fire Department in March of 1993.
City Manager, Jim Grabowski states, “We look forward to Chief Dufort building on the progress he has made as Interim Chief. He has proven to be a devoted leader with over 30 years of service to the fire department, providing excellent leadership to firefighters and staff.”
During his tenure with the City of Elmhurst, Chief Dufort has served in various leadership roles. Starting as a firefighter, Chief Dufort attended courses to continue his professional development and receive certification in training and education. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, responsible for the management and mentoring of personnel, fire tactics, and training. Chief Dufort was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2017, supervising employees at two fire stations, participating in contract negotiations, and assisting in policy and procedure development, planning, and budget preparations.
In April 2023, Chief Dufort was appointed as Interim Fire Chief, responsible for leading the fire department and engaging in continuous development efforts, collaborating with City Staff, and identifying areas for growth and improvement.
“Chief Dufort’s experience, training, and years of community service reflect his professional dedication to the Elmhurst Fire Department. We are honored and proud to have Chief Dufort leading the fire department,” states Mayor Scott Levin. “Dick is an Elmhurst native who cares deeply about our community.”
Dufort states, “I am humbled and honored to not only have grown up in Elmhurst, but to have also served the community for the last 30 years. The Elmhurst Fire Department has a reputation for providing exceptional service to the community. I look forward to continuing that service with a great staff of dedicated firefighters and support personnel.”
The City Council will vote on the City Manager’s recommendation at the September 18th City Council meeting, after which Chief Dufort will take the Fire Chief’s Oath of Office.
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