The Carol Stream Fire District has initiated a formal termination hearing for one of its battalion chiefs, Joseph Gilles. The Daily Herald has been closely following the case, and an article from February 12, 2014, detailed the start of the proceedings.
According to Karl Ottosen, attorney for Fire Chief Richard Kolomay, the charges against Gilles are clear-cut. They include refusing to sign a performance improvement plan twice, a lack of trust from peers, and falling asleep during meetings. Ottosen stated that Kolomay has addressed Gilles’ performance issues since he became chief in 2010, citing problems with leadership, hygiene, weight, and communication.
The hearing began on Wednesday, with Gilles facing allegations of serious misconduct for not signing the PIP. Aldo Botti, Gilles’ attorney, argued that Gilles had served the district for 18 years and should not be treated unfairly simply because of the chief’s personal disapproval.
Gilles was the first witness, confirming that a 2007 evaluation noted his need to earn peer respect and poor uniform standards. He also admitted his weight had increased significantly over the years, from 240 pounds at hiring to 361 pounds in 2014.
An email from Kolomay in September 2012 directed Gilles to investigate a paramedic call, which led to a report criticizing the paramedic's performance. However, Gilles later admitted he didn’t contact the hospital or the family, contradicting earlier claims.
Ottosen alleged that Gilles fell asleep during two meetings, including one during an emergency operation after flooding, where the police chief captured him sleeping. This led to Gilles being deemed unfit for duty pending a sleep study.
The PIP, presented on July 27, outlined three key concerns: poor management skills, lack of peer respect, and a lack of trust as a leader. Gilles refused to sign it, despite arriving on July 29 in a new uniform and bringing treats for staff.
Kolomay gave Gilles three options: sign the PIP, agree to a separation, or face termination. Gilles did not choose any, and an August 19 email from Kolomay outlined possible charges and the option for a separation agreement.
A motion was granted to keep details about the August 25, 2012, paramedic call confidential, due to a pending lawsuit. The hearing resumed on Thursday afternoon.
Another article from February 15, 2014, featured testimony from Lieutenant Robert Schultz, who served under Gilles for nearly four years. He described working under Gilles as a "nightmare" and said many firefighters were reluctant to speak out due to fear of repercussions.
Schultz, now acting battalion chief during Gilles’ suspension, testified that Gilles lacked leadership and was unprofessional. He mentioned incidents like Gilles coughing on food, spilling milk, and falling asleep during meetings. One time, he walked out of a meeting when Gilles was clearly asleep.
Schultz also discussed the August 25, 2012, call, where he raised concerns about the paramedic’s performance but felt Gilles failed to act. Later, Gilles investigated and recommended disciplinary action, but he believed the hospital wasn’t properly notified.
This ongoing hearing continues to draw public attention, highlighting the complex dynamics between leadership, performance, and accountability within the fire department.
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