Clarendon Hills has gone back to someone who previously was one of its own for finding a new fire chief.
Michael Korzeń was selected from a field of 28 candidates and sworn in Monday Aug. 19 into his new position. He previously worked in Clarendon Hills as a part time firefighter/paramedic from 2004-2013.
“We believe his previous experience working with the department and his experience at full time career departments will move the department forward with the strategic objectives of increasing training, increasing professionalism and delivering high quality service,” said Mera Johnson, Clarendon Hills’ assistant village manager/human resources director.
Korzen takes over for Dave Godek, who served as acting chief after longtime chief Brian Leahy was forced to step down earlier this year, after the Village Board voted on Dec. 18, 2023, to approve a mandatory retirement age of 65. Leahy, who was 68 at the time, had been fire chief since 1985.
The new Clarendon Hills fire chief, who turns 49 on Aug. 28, began his firefighting career in 1998 in Hillside, the town in which he grew up. He was a paid-on-call firefighter/EMT for the Hillside Fire Department. Following that, he served with several fire departments in the Chicago area, including 21 years with the West Chicago Fire Protection District and most recently as battalion chief with the Roselle Fire Department.
“I was always interested in helping people as either a police officer or firefighter,” Korzen said.”I went to (the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) after graduating high school and was given the opportunity to join the Champaign Fire Department Explorers program and begin my firefighting career.”
Korzen has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University, through a joint program with the National Fire Academy.
Throughout his career, Korzen has taken numerous fire service and emergency medical courses, gaining a variety of industry certifications in the process, including chief fire officer, training program manager, and national paramedic.
Korzen said he is glad to return to Clarendon Hills as chief to continue his career, as two major factors stood out to him about his previous tenure in the village.
“The great group of firefighters on the department and the small town feel of the community,” he said, adding those positive memories played a key role in his deciding to apply for the chief’s job in the village.
“I’m extremely honored to have been selected as chief,” he said. “Obviously, some things have changed since I left, but I believe that knowing many of the people who still work here is key. As I drive around the village, I am also quickly remembering businesses, schools, and streets. Everyone is so friendly and proud of their hometown.”
As for challenges he expects to face as fire chief in Clarendon Hills, Korzen said it’s the same as with many other fire departments.
“Whether part-time or full-time, it is hiring and keeping people,” he said.
And Korzeń encourages anyone interested in becoming a firefighter and/or EMT to stop by the station, 316 Park Avenue, or call the department at 630-286-5430.
Korzen has been married to his wife, Colleen, for 11 years. The couple has two children.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.