Kankakee's new administration takes over next week.  Mayor-elect Chris Curtis will be sworn-in Monday evening 5/3).  Curtis defeated first-term mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong in the April 6 Consolidated Election.

Curtis has said he wants to be ready to hit the ground running and he's announced appointments to key positions, including a new police and fire chief.  His appointments are expected to be brought to a vote Monday by the city council.

Police Lt. Robin Passwater is being promoted to Police Chief.  Passwater replaces Frank Kosman, who has served as chief the last two years.  Passwater has been with the department since 1989.   

Capt. Bryan LaRoche  is being named Fire Chief, replacing Damon Schuldt, who has served as chief the last four years under the Wells-Armstrong administration.  Schuldt announced his retirement, effective today (Friday), when Curtis informed him he was not his choice for the fire chief post.  LaRoche has been with the Kankakee fire department since 2002.      
Piggush Engineering, Inc. of Bourbonnais will continue as city engineering. Teska Associates, Inc. of Evanston remains in place for planning purposes.

The city has hired the Joliet law firm of Spesia & Taylor, replacing Odelson & Sterk, Ltd. of Evergreen Park  for legal matters.

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