Waukegan Fire Chief Ricco Farrell recently made a heartfelt announcement that has left both the city officials and the community in a mix of surprise and admiration. During a City Council meeting on Monday night, Farrell revealed his decision to retire early next month in order to care for his aging parents.
The 31-year veteran of the Waukegan Fire Department took the stage at the start of the meeting to share his news. Farrell, who was appointed as fire chief when Mayor Wayne Motley took office in May 2013, said he is stepping down on October 5th, marking the end of an extraordinary career.
“This is bittersweet,†Farrell said, drawing a noticeable reaction from the audience. “Due to family needs, I’m announcing my retirement. For the last 31-and-a-half years, my parents have been my main supporters. They’ve always been there for me, and they instilled the values that you see before you today.â€
Farrell expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city and emphasized how much he will miss being part of the Waukegan Fire Department. “I wanted to be a firefighter since I was 9 years old,†he shared. “This has been a dream come true. I thank God for the support I’ve received, and I know the department will continue to thrive under strong leadership.â€
He also acknowledged the importance of his role in the community. “Most of all, I enjoyed being a servant for the citizens of Waukegan. That’s what it’s all about.â€
Farrell became the first African-American fire chief in Waukegan history after being appointed by Mayor Motley, following the resignation of Dan Young, a long-time fire chief who had served for five years. His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on the department and the city.
As the community prepares for this transition, many are expressing their appreciation for Farrell’s service and wishing him well in his new chapter.
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