MySuburbanLife.com recently published an article about the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against Joseph Gilles, a battalion chief with the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. The case has drawn significant attention as it centers around conflicting narratives regarding Gilles' suspension and potential termination.
On Wednesday, both parties delivered their final arguments in the disciplinary hearing. Gilles claims his suspension stems from his refusal to conceal alleged negligence within the fire protection district. In contrast, district officials maintain that his termination is due to performance-related issues, including allegations of poor performance and accusations of sleeping on the job.
Hired by the Carol Stream Fire Protection District nearly two decades ago, Gilles was placed on suspension in September 2013 following charges of insubordination brought by District Chief Richard Kolomay. Kolomay accused Gilles of failing to sign a performance improvement plan (PIP). The district has since cited performance deficiencies, such as weight concerns and allegations of sleeping during work hours, as grounds for seeking Gilles' termination.
Kolomay's legal representative, Karl Ottosen, emphasized the efforts Kolomay had made to assist Gilles prior to resorting to formal disciplinary action. He argued that in a paramilitary organization like the fire department, compliance with directives is mandatory. Ottosen stated, "Top-down orders have to be followed. You can't pick and choose your orders. (Gilles') plan was to refuse orders."
Conversely, Gilles' attorney, Aldo Botti, asserts that the disciplinary hearing arises from an incident in August 2012 involving a choking victim. At the time, a paramedic allegedly attempted to intubate an 81-year-old woman who was still choking on food, rather than clearing her airway first. The second paramedic on the scene successfully removed the obstruction and transported the woman, Armida Nonneman, to a hospital, where she passed away three days later.
Botti contends that the initial paramedic, Carey Zabran, violated protocol, prompting concerns over how the district managed the situation. Kolomay tasked Gilles with conducting an internal investigation, resulting in a recommendation for Zabran's dismissal. Although Zabran signed a PIP and was monitored by Gilles, who deemed her progress satisfactory, Gilles still recommended her termination. Ultimately, Zabran resigned from active duty and now receives a non-duty disability pension.
Botti criticized the PIP as unlawful and vague, arguing that it was overly subjective, leaving the decision to Kolomay. He further claimed that Kolomay lacked the authority to make such determinations. On the other hand, Ottosen argued that the disciplinary issue was unrelated to the 2012 incident, focusing instead on Gilles' refusal to sign the PIP.
Due to the extensive documentation required for review, the board will convene in closed session to deliberate further. The next public hearing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on October 15, when the board will announce its findings.
This case highlights the complexities of workplace discipline within paramilitary organizations and raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. As more details emerge, the outcome could set a precedent for future disciplinary actions within similar organizations.
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