Richard “Dick” Dufort, currently interim chief of the Elmhurst Fire Department, is expected to be appointed chief of the department at next week’s City Council meeting, in line with the recommendation of City Manager Jim Grabowski.
Dufort, a 30-year veteran of the department, has been serving as interim chief since April of this year.
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Dufort, who joined the Elmhurst Fire Department in March, 1993, has served in several leadership roles. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, responsible for the management and mentoring of personnel, fire tactics, and training. He 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.
Dufort is 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.
“We look forward to Chief Dufort building on the progress he has made as interim chief,” Grabowski said in a statement. “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.”
Mayor Scott Levin also spoke of Dufort’s experience, training and dedication. “Dick is an Elmhurst native who cares deeply about our community,” Levin said in a statement.
Dufort spoke of the Elmhurst Fire Department’s reputation for exceptional service to the community. “I look forward to continuing that service with a great staff of dedicated firefighters and support personnel.”
According to its website, the Elmhurst Fire Department, established about 130 years ago, staffs two firehouses with 11 command staff, 33 firefighters and 15 contract paramedics staffing two advanced life support ambulances.
City Council members are expected to vote on Grabowski’s recommendation at the regular Sept. 18 City Council meeting, after which Dufort will take the Fire Chief’s Oath of Office.
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.