Manhattan Fire Protection District names new chief

The Manhattan Fire Protection District announced Friday that it has named a new chief – one month after its last chief suddenly retired.

Deputy Chief Steve Malone was promoted to fire chief, according to a news release from the district.

“I am extremely honored and very excited to have been appointed as the new fire chief,” Malone said. “I have many goals and a vision for the future. I look forward to working with the village and all citizens of the district to maintain a positive direction.”

Malone has been with the district since 2001. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and completed his Chief Fire Officer certification through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

Former Chief Dan Forsythe was put on paid administrative leave Dec. 13, and retired Jan. 2, according to district documents The Herald-News obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. This came after two special board of trustees meetings, discussing personnel matters.

Last month, Malone directed questions about the circumstances surrounding Forsythe’s resignation to the district’s attorney, Stephen DiNolfo, whose only comment was that the chief had retired, and the district wishes him well. He did not address questions about why Forsythe was put on leave before retiring.