The Carol Stream Fire District has begun a formal termination hearing for one of its battalion chiefs, Joseph Gilles. The Daily Herald has been closely following the case and published an article on February 12, 2014, detailing the opening of the proceedings.
According to the fire district’s legal team, the charges against Gilles are serious and include refusing to sign a performance improvement plan (PIP) twice, lacking peer trust as a leader, and falling asleep during critical meetings. Karl Ottosen, attorney for Fire Chief Richard Kolomay, stated that these issues have been ongoing since Gilles became a chief in 2010. He cited concerns over poor hygiene, weight fluctuations, and communication problems.
Gilles’ attorney, Aldo Botti, argued that the accusations were unfair and that Gilles had served the department for 18 years without issue. “You can’t deny his rights just because the chief doesn’t like him,†Botti said during the hearing.
During the session, Gilles testified that a 2007 evaluation noted he needed to earn more respect from peers and that his uniform appearance was not up to standard. He also confirmed that his weight had increased significantly over the years, from 240 pounds at hiring to 361 pounds in a recent physical.
An email from Kolomay in September 2012 instructed Gilles to investigate a paramedic call, which led to a report suggesting disciplinary action. However, Gilles later admitted that he did not contact the hospital or the coroner’s office — a key omission that contradicted previous claims.
Ottosen also presented evidence that Gilles fell asleep during an emergency meeting in April 2013, with the police chief even recording the incident. As a result, Gilles was temporarily removed from duty pending a sleep study.
The PIP, issued in July 2013, outlined three main concerns: lack of management skills, failure to gain peer respect, and a lack of trust from colleagues. Gilles was given until July 29 to sign the plan or face termination. On that day, he arrived in a new uniform, brought snacks for staff, but refused to sign the document.
Kolomay then sent Gilles an email on August 3 offering three options: sign the PIP, agree to a separation, or face formal termination. Gilles chose none of them, and the process moved forward.
Before the hearing, a motion was granted to keep certain details about the August 25, 2012, paramedic call confidential due to an ongoing lawsuit. The hearing is set to continue on Thursday afternoon.
Another article from February 15, 2014, featured testimony from Lt. Robert Schultz, who served under Gilles for nearly four years. Schultz described the experience as a "nightmare" and said he never openly criticized Gilles due to fear of retaliation. He noted that Gilles often arrived late, wore a dirty uniform, and failed to properly lead during emergencies.
Schultz, now acting battalion chief while Gilles is suspended, testified that Gilles lacked leadership skills and was untrustworthy. He recalled seeing Gilles fall asleep during a meeting and even coughing on food during meals. One time, he said, Gilles was asleep during a status report, prompting Schultz to walk out.
Schultz also mentioned that he raised concerns about the August 25, 2012, call with Gilles, but Gilles didn’t escalate the issue. Later, Gilles investigated the matter and concluded that the paramedic's actions warranted termination. However, the person involved eventually left the district after failing her own PIP.
Gilles claimed he repeatedly urged Kolomay to notify the hospital, but he now believes the EMS director was never informed. The case continues to unfold as the hearing moves forward.
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