MySuburbanLife.com recently published an article detailing the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against a fire battalion chief from Carol Stream Fire Protection District. The case centers around Joseph Gilles, who has been suspended and faces potential termination, claiming that his refusal to cover up alleged negligence within the district is the real reason behind his suspension—though officials maintain it's due to performance issues.
Gilles, who has worked for the district for 19 years, was suspended in September 2013 after refusing to sign a performance improvement plan (PIP) as ordered by District Chief Richard Kolomay. The district claims he has shown consistent performance deficiencies, including issues with weight and allegations of sleeping on the job. However, Gilles argues that his actions were rooted in ethical concerns rather than insubordination.
Kolomay’s attorney, Karl Ottosen, emphasized that the chief had made efforts to help Gilles improve before escalating the matter. “In a paramilitary organization, orders must be followed without question,†Ottosen argued. “You can’t pick and choose which orders to obey. Gilles’ plan was to refuse them.â€
On the other hand, Gilles’ attorney, Aldo Botti, claims the disciplinary action stems from a tragic incident in August 2012, when an 81-year-old woman named Armida Nonneman died after a paramedic attempted to intubate her while food was still stuck in her throat. According to Botti, the first paramedic, Carey Zabran, failed to follow proper protocol, and questions arose about how the district handled the situation.
Following the incident, Kolomay ordered Gilles to conduct an internal investigation, which led Gilles to recommend Zabran’s termination. Zabran was then asked to sign a PIP, and Gilles was tasked with overseeing its completion. While he later claimed the process was satisfactory, he still advocated for her dismissal. Zabran eventually resigned and now receives a non-duty disability pension.
Gilles, however, was also asked to sign a similar PIP related to issues raised by Kolomay. Botti criticized the PIP as vague and subjective, arguing that it gives Kolomay too much power to determine whether Gilles passes or fails. “The PIP is unlawful and overly subjective,†he said. “It should not be used as a tool to silence employees who raise concerns.â€
Ottosen, on the other hand, focused the hearing on Gilles’ refusal to comply with the PIP, dismissing the 2012 incident as irrelevant. “Two paramedics have been discredited in that case; it has nothing to do with this one,†he said. “Employees must follow directives unless they are illegal. There is nothing in the PIP that is illegal.â€
The board of commissioners will now review all the evidence in a closed session before making a final decision. A public hearing is scheduled for October 15 at 4:30 p.m., where the commission will announce its findings. This case has sparked significant debate over workplace accountability, employee rights, and the balance between authority and ethics in emergency services.
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