Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff Resigns, Takes New Job With Carol Stream Fire Protection District

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 5, 2012 5:20PM

Robert Hoff's last day as Chicago Fire Commissioner was Thursday, March 3.

Hoff announced his resignation from the Fire Department Feb. 15, becoming the first major member of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's cabinet to resign since Emanuel took office last May. At the time of his announcement, Hoff said he wanted to spend more time with his family. But sources said tensions were brewing between him and Emanuel over proposed firehouse closings and reductions in minimum staffing numbers. The Chicago Firefighters union also lost a champion in Hoff, a 35-year veteran of the Department who twice won the Carter Harrison Award for bravery—the department's highest honor.

Hoff has taken a job as Deputy Director of the Carol Stream Fire Protection District, which includes parts of Bloomingdale, Winfield and Glendale Heights. The District's board of directors approved Hoff's hiring as part of a reorganization plan.

Hoff's resignation leaves the Fire Department's rank-and-file without a champion as the union heads into contract negotiations later this year with the city. Hoff has been replaced by Jose Santiago, who will likely be allied with Emanuel's plan for closures and staffing reductions.

Hoff signed off on the Fire Department's radio frequency Thursday.