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Belleville council appoints Assistant Chief Mark Heffernan as acting police chief; approves firefighter hire and claims
Summary
Council appointed Assistant Chief Mark Heffernan as acting police chief effective immediately, approved the hiring of Carl Nick Covert as a probationary firefighter effective Feb. 9, 2026, and approved claims and payroll totaling roughly $2.36 million.
Belleville — The City Council unanimously appointed Assistant Chief of Police Mark Heffernan as acting police chief on Feb. 2 to perform the duties of Chief Matt Eiscamp during any absence or light duty, citing section 33.016 of the city code. The motion carried on roll call.
Personnel and payroll: The council also approved hiring Carl Nick Covert as a probationary firefighter, effective 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 9, 2026, following a recommendation from the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Separately, the council approved claims and disbursements totaling $1,354,997.36 and payroll totaling $1,007,749.55; those financial motions were moved and seconded and passed on roll call.
Other finance action: The council approved motor fuel claims of $3,933.83 later in the meeting.
Why it matters: The appointment ensures police-department continuity while Chief Matt Eiscamp is absent or on light duty. The firefighter hire fills a departmental staffing slot previously approved by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The claims and payroll approvals cover routine city operations.
Votes: Roll calls for the acting-chief appointment, the firefighter hire and the claims/payroll motions were recorded in the public minutes and carried by recorded ayes.
Next steps: The acting-chief appointment remains in effect until the mayor and council take further action; the firefighter hire is effective Feb. 9 and subject to probationary terms and standard onboarding.
