Terrace Park council appoints John Maggard interim fire chief after chief’s medical issue

The Village of Terrace Park Council unanimously appointed John Maggard as interim chief of the Terrace Park Fire Department on Nov. 6, 2024. Public Safety Chair Mrs. Ingebritsen moved orally to appoint Maggard; the council recorded voice votes in favor (Gaskey, Fingerhitson, Layman, Lindell, Sharp) and the motion carried.

The action followed the mayor’s report that Chief Dronsfeld had a medical issue and needed time to heal. Mrs. Ingebritsen said the interim appointment was being made immediately: “I would like to introduce an oral motion appointing John Maggard as the interim chief of the Terrace Park Fire Department.” Maggard thanked the council for the vote of confidence.

Council also discussed a set of recent proposed appointments and promotions the chief announced in October that would, as currently written, exceed numeric limits in the village code (for example the number of assistant chiefs and captains). The safety committee said it supported the proposed appointments but will refer the matter to the Rules and Law Committee to consider a small code amendment — for instance changing the allowed number of assistant chiefs from one to two and captains from two to three.

Solicitor Jeff Forbes and other council members said the rules governing temporary service and vacancies are not entirely clear in every circumstance, so the interim appointment and a committee review were appropriate next steps. The council said it will continue to monitor Chief Dronsfeld’s status and act as required by the code and council procedures.