Dolton swears in Quinteion Curtis as interim fire chief

The Village of Dolton on Monday swore in Quinteion Curtis as interim fire chief during the boardof trustees meeting, with Curtis taking the oath administered in the council chamber and thanking residents and supporters for their attendance.

Curtis, introduced and sworn in by village officials, told the trustees and assembled guests he was honored to lead DoltonFire Department and described the department as "open to everybody." He credited community and national partners and highlighted his work with youth programs such as the Black Fire Brigade, saying the program has trained volunteers and supported local families.

Why it matters: The interim appointment places Curtis at the head of the villagefire operations as the administration implements staffing changes that trustees and the mayor said are part of a broader reorganization. Curtis emphasized community outreach and youth training as priorities.

Curtis, in brief remarks, thanked the mayor, trustees and family members in the audience and acknowledged several visitors and colleagues from Chicago and the region. He described the Black Fire Brigadeas a community initiative and said it had put "over 1,100 kids through school" and helped single parents and others in the community. He told the audience, "You call, we're coming," summarizing an open-door response policy for emergency services.

Village officials paused the meeting briefly for photographs and community members came forward to congratulate the chief. The board returned to its agenda after the short intermission to continue business.