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Morton Grove honors retiring District Chief Dan Gallagher; new firefighter sworn in
Summary
At its June 23 meeting the Morton Grove Village Board and Firefighters Association honored District Chief Dan Gallagher for decades of service and the village swore in firefighter Joseph Zanka. Union leaders highlighted Gallagher’s leadership, training and a rescue credited as saving a newborn’s life.
The Morton Grove Village Board paused its agenda on June 23 to recognize District Chief Dan Gallagher’s retirement and to swear in a newly hired firefighter.
Chief Kennedy opened remarks thanking Mayor Witco, trustees and staff and paid personal tribute to Dan Gallagher, saying he had worked with Gallagher for many years and that Gallagher had served in every rank up to interim chief. Lieutenant Tom Goodwin, president of the Morton Grove Firefighters Association, introduced the union’s remarks and turned the floor to Vice President Eric Miller.
"On behalf of the Morton Grove Firefighters Association, we'd like to congratulate you on your retirement," Miller said, praising Gallagher for helping to build and purchase engines and ambulances, for contributing to station renovations and for advocating for members during collective bargaining. Miller recounted a rescue in which Gallagher located and helped revive a newborn: "Your calm demeanor and quick thinking... helped your crew locate and revive the infant, turning a tragedy into a miracle." (union remarks)
Board members and residents offered thanks and well-wishes. Deputy Chief Gallagher declined to speak on the dais.
Shortly after the tribute, Mike Simpkins introduced the department’s newest employee, Joseph Zanka, who said family members were present. Simpkins noted that Zanka began employment with the Morton Grove Fire Department on March 30, 2026. Zanka repeated the oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois and to faithfully discharge the duties of a village firefighter. Trustees and attendees welcomed him.
The retirement recognition and swearing-in were ceremonial; no formal board action was required. The union and chief’s remarks emphasized Gallagher’s operational leadership, mentorship and contributions to department policy and apparatus procurement.
