The second-biggest city in Illinois will announce its second big personnel change in two weeks Thursday, when Mayor Tom Weisner will name his pick for the next Aurora fire chief.

Weisner will make the announcement at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Aurora Central Fire Station, 75 N. Broadway.

The recommendation comes of the heels of Fire Chief John Lehman’s announcement that his last day will be Friday, Feb. 19.  Lehman advised Weisner several months ago that it was his intention to retire in 2016, prompting an extensive internal selection process. Six internal candidates were evaluated for the position.

This is the second change in the top ranks of Aurora’s police and fire services in the past two weeks. On Jan. 7, Weisner announced that he had selected Kristen Ziman to be the city of Aurora’s next police chief. Ziman replaced longtime Police Chief Greg Thomas, who had announced his retirement in September.

The mayor’s recommendation for fire chief is subject to City Council approval. The Aurora City Council will have an opportunity to discuss the mayor’s recommendation at a Special Committee of the Whole meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26.  The candidate will be considered for appointment at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 6 p.m. that same evening.

Lehman will continue to serve as fire chief through his scheduled retirement date, at which time the new fire chief will be officially sworn in.

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release

About the City of Aurora

Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456.  Aurora is known as the “City of Lights” because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights.  Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will counties.  Aurora also is home to six public school districts and seven townships.  For the latest news, access to an archive of past news releases or to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter, visit the city’s website at www.aurora-il.org.

About the Aurora Fire Department

Aurora Fire Chief John Lehman. SOURCE: City of Aurora website

The Aurora Fire Department’s mission is to provide essential fire suppression, special operations, and emergency medical services to the citizens of the city of Aurora with an elevated level of expertise.

To provide a unified professional response to life and property incidents affecting the City of Aurora and its citizens.

To maintain and enforce an updated and continuing inspections program to enforce adopted codes and to supply quality fire prevention and education programs to the citizens of Aurora. To provide the greatest quality of service to the public through a comprehensive training program that seeks to sharpen existing skills and develop new technologies to meet future demands and to provide a safe and healthy work environment for our employees.