Berwyn honors retiring Fire Chief Chris Coniglio; council appoints James Mihalic as new fire chief and approves department promotions

The City of Berwyn recognized Fire Chief Chris Coniglio for nearly 30 years of service and proclaimed Jan. 7, 2026 "Chris Coniglio Day." The council read a proclamation that recounted Coniglio—s service milestones and community involvement, then moved and voted to concur with the proclamation.

Chief Coniglio addressed the council and attendees, reflecting on his career and thanking the mayor, council and department members. He highlighted a departmental change he described as fiscally significant: bringing the city—s EMS in-house. "Serving as your chief has been the greatest honor of my career," Coniglio said during his remarks.

Following the retirement proclamation, the council considered Item F2 and appointed James Mihalic as fire chief of the Berwyn Fire Department effective Jan. 8, 2026. The appointment motion was moved and seconded, the oath of office was administered, and the council recorded the motion as carried.

The council also approved additional fire-department appointments and promotions during the session: Mike Lyons as deputy chief (effective Jan. 8, 2026), Fred Bazadullah as battalion chief (effective Jan. 8, 2026), and several sworn promotions and swearing-in ceremonies for lieutenants and engineers. Council motions to approve these appointments passed by voice vote or roll call as recorded in the meeting minutes.

What happens next: The newly appointed chiefs will assume their duties on the effective dates stated by the council and standard swearing-in procedures were completed during the meeting.