Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kankakee introduces four new firefighters after nearly two-year hiring gap
Summary
Chief LaRoche introduced four new firefighters — Martin Gonzalez, Javier Rodriguez, Abraham Hurtado and David Gilbert — on Jan. 5, noting hires restore the department toward its authorized strength and that one new engine arrives in April.
KANKAKEE — The Kankakee Fire Department on Jan. 5 introduced four newly hired firefighters, marking the department's first set of hires in nearly two years.
Chief LaRoche told the council the department added Martin Gonzalez, Javier Rodriguez, Abraham Hurtado and David Gilbert. He said Gonzalez joined as an intern in February 2024, has completed firefighting certification and is preparing for paramedic testing; Gonzalez is a resident of the 7th Ward. Rodriguez, a city resident from the 3rd Ward, has four years in fire service and experience with Limestone Fire Protection District and Riverside Ambulance Service. Hurtado also came through the department internship and academy training. David Gilbert, the newest hire, served as a professional hockey player for 12 years, playing with the Black Hawks organization and overseas before joining the fire service about a year ago.
"This is an exciting moment for us," Chief LaRoche said, noting it had been almost two years since the last hires and that the department is now closer to its authorized complement. He added the hires will help staffing and recovery for crews ahead of a new engine expected in April.
The council thanked the chief for the hires; no public comment or opposition was recorded.
