Interim Dolton, IL, Fire Chief on Leave Amid Concerns from Village Board
Olivia Stevens
Pioneer Press Newspapers, Suburban Chicago
(TNS)
Dolton interim fire Chief Quentin ‘Q’ Curtis has agreed to take leave from his position as the Village Board faces concerns from firefighters about his qualifications and equipment issues.
“I have heard the voices and concerns of our residents, clearly and sincerely,” Mayor Jason House said in a news release Thursday announcing Curtis’ leave. “This step is intended to allow our community space to refocus, heal and move forward together.”
House said Curtis will “conclude ministerial duties to ensure no administrative tasks are left outstanding” during his leave.
The Dolton Professional Firefighters Association picketed Village Hall ahead of a board meeting Monday, after filing a lawsuit last month asking that Curtis be discharged for failing to meet requirements for his position.
Union President and fire Lt. Adam Farej said in a statement Thursday firefighters appreciate support shown for them during the board meeting’s public comment period and will stay in communication with House and the board “to help keep the Dolton community safe.”
“We appreciate residents for making their voices heard and village leadership for taking these concerns seriously,” Farej said. “Dolton residents deserve qualified and accountable leadership at the fire department.”
Farej said Wednesday that safety concerns escalated since House became mayor in May, as the village has failed to take action on issues such as broken apparatus and equipment.
“We have not had a department meeting to figure out what the plan is to assist with fixing this,” Farej said Wednesday. “We think there’s a lot of leadership failures right there with that, and with those leadership failures, obviously it’s putting our safety at risk and it’s also putting the residents’ safety at risk.”
Farej said the fire union has tried to work with House’s administration, freezing a grievance the union filed in 2024 related to rig maintenance issues to give the new mayor and his team time to address financial mismanagement alleged under former Mayor Tiffany Henyard.
But almost a year later, he and other union members say village officials have failed to follow through on promises to improve their working conditions.
The union also expressed concern that Curtis has not completed certifications required under state law. They also say he has continued serving past the expiration of his interim appointment, which is 180 days.
“There’s no communication, there’s no accountability,” Farej said.
House said in Thursday’s release Curtis’ voluntary leave does not diminish his years of service and leadership.
“His contributions to public safety and this community are both significant and respected,” House said. “At this time, our priority remains where it has always been, with the residents of Dolton. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of service, ensuring public safety and fostering unity within our village.”
During Monday’s board meeting, House and village attorney Michael McGrath said Curtis, who founded the Black Fire Brigade and is a former Chicago firefighter, meets all required criteria for interim fire chief.
House said Curtis has helped the village save about $30,000 per month by cutting firefighter’s overtime and was working to receive the certifications required by state law as of Monday. His administration inherited equipment issues they are working to address as quickly as possible while ensuring the village remains fiscally responsible, he said.
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