Politics & Government

Revered Lake Zurich Fire Chief To Retire From Post July 15

After 21 years of development and innovation in the department, Chief Terry Mastandrea says it is time for new leadership.

Highly-regarded, 21-year veteran Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea will be retiring from the top post July 15.

In his retirement letter to Village President Suzanne Branding, Mastandrea said, “Over the years we have collectively worked very hard to develop a professional department that not only provides the best emergency care possible but is also well-trained, well-equipped and passionate in the way we conduct our business.”

He went on to say that he could think of no other reason for deciding to retire, other than it is time.

And by all accounts, Mastandrea has been true to his word as well as a valuable leader and innovator, accomplishing a variety of feats that have grown the department into a top-notch, well-respected operation. 

“Terry’s retirement will leave some very big shoes to fill. He is one of the best chiefs in the state and has taken the department to the level of a premier emergency
services department,” said Jeff Sedlack, who has been president of the Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District since Mastandrea became fire chief in 1990.

When Mastandrea took over the department, the village utilized paid, on-call volunteers, but Mastandrea pushed to evolve the force into a full-service organization.

He lobbied tirelessly and won community support for a 2004 referendum ensuring funding was in place to bring the department into the 21st century.

Among the vital issues identified by Mastandrea at the time were the ability to provide extensive cross-training for personnel, guaranteeing an abundant water
supply, and having enough fire stations to serve the village and rural fire protection district needs.  

The chief also took the lead on finding alternative revenue sources for programs and equipment when funding was scarce.

In all, Mastandrea applied for and received more than $1.3 million in grant money during his tenure for items such as radio repeaters and equipment, defibrillators,
thermal imaging cameras and helmets, and anti-terrorism equipment. 

“He has gone through challenging times and managed very skillfully and competently to hold the department together while making it stronger than it ever has been,” Sedlack said.

Another accomplishment that directly benefits residents and commercial business in the village - and within the rural fire protection district - is the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.

According to Sedlack, Mastandrea worked hard to get the ISO rating lowered, which resulted in properties within the fire protection district having some of the lowest insurance rates across Illinois.

Mastandrea’s character, professionalism and know-how are traits that are not lost on anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him.

“Terry is a rare employee whose strength of moral character and ethical behavior, coupled with his excellent work ethic, should be a shining example for all employees entering public service,” said Bob Vitas, village administrator.

“Always the consummate professional, Terry is just one of those people that if there is an emergency situation, when he walks in the room people sigh with relief because everyone knows he has it under control,” said Suzanne Branding, village president.

“I’ve never heard a bad word about Terry, he has worked with so many organizations in town and he has respect from everyone,” Sedlack said. “He is just one of those guys who is highly regarded by all who meet him.”

Among his other many notable accomplishments are a total of 34 years of fire service, the first 13 of which were spent serving the Village of Skokie Fire Department.

Mastandrea received the Outstanding Government Employee award in 1999, 2001 and 2005, and was voluntarily deployed to assist with the Utica Tornado in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He currently serves as a member of the Northwest Community Hospital Large-Scale Emergency Planning Task Force and as the Illinois Fire Chiefs Promotional Evaluation and Assessment Services Consultant, in addition to serving on other boards, task forces and as a member of a number of charitable organizations. 

Outlasting the normal tenure of the majority of fire chiefs, Chief Mastandrea says it is simply time to make way for new leadership.

“I feel like I’ve done all that I can for this department and for my career growth, and now it is time for new blood and new ideas that will likely bring the department to the next level,” Mastandrea said.

A successor has not yet been named to fill Mastandrea’s post, but village officials are certain the leadership he exemplified will continue on. 

“In the years ahead, I am confident that the Fire Rescue Department that Chief Mastandrea so loves and literally built upon his shoulders will continue to honor him in their day-to-day delivery of superb fire and rescue services,” Vitas said.

“Terry has put an emergency plan in place for our village that most municipalities seek to emulate and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his service. We will miss him,” Branding said.

Under village code, the mayor appoints the fire and police chiefs if either post becomes vacant. Branding said once she identifies the right candidate, she will consult trustees before formally presenting that individual before the board for consideration. 

“It has been a special privilege working with Terry, who is one of the most outstanding fire chiefs I have had the opportunity to work with in local government and I will miss having his expertise available to the village,” Vitas said.

Mastandrea says he has lived by certain principles that guided him throughout his 21 years on the job.

“It has always been my philosophy and practice to base my decisions on three vital criteria in priority order which I hope will prevail once I am gone. They are: first, what is best for the community; second, what is best for the department; and, finally, what is best for the individual,” Mastandrea said.

He added that safety for department personnel - with an ultimate goal that everyone goes home at the end of their shift - cannot be compromised.

"My hope is that the department continues to provide the excellent service the communities have come to expect and count on in times of need,” Mastandrea said. 

Mastandrea added that this can be accomplished through continued support from the village and district leaders, residents, businesses, and employees working together toward a common goal.


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