Manhattan Fire Trustees Extend Chief Contracts Through 2029

Chief Steve Malone
Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | Dec. 15, 2025
Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted to extend the contracts of both the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief for an additional year, securing leadership through early 2029.
Leadership Contracts Key Points:
-
Chief Steve Malone and Deputy Chief Dave Piper both received contract extensions until Jan. 1, 2029.
-
Both contracts include a 3% salary increase.
-
The Deputy Chief’s contract was updated to mirror the Chief’s regarding “115 trust contributions.”
The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, Dec. 15, approved contract extensions for the district’s top two administrators, securing their leadership positions for the next four years.

Deputy Chief David Piper
The board voted unanimously to extend the contracts of Fire Chief Steve Malone and Deputy Chief Dave Piper. Both agreements were extended an additional year, now running through Jan. 1, 2029. Under the terms approved by the board, both Malone and Piper will receive a 3% salary increase.
During the discussion regarding Deputy Chief Piper’s contract, it was noted that a section of the agreement had been updated to mirror the Chief’s contract specifically to include “115 trust contributions.”
The motion to approve Chief Malone’s contract was made by Trustee Bill Weber and seconded by Trustee Brian Hupe. The motion for Deputy Chief Piper’s extension was made by Hupe and seconded by Trustee Nick Kotchou.
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Approves Purchase of FOIA Redaction Software for Police Department
Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor’s race
Report: Less than half of CPS students performing at grade level
WATCH: IL comptroller candidates focus on transparency, timely reporting
Democratic senators under fire explain why they supported GOP bill to end shutdown
Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums
Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for October 2025
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
Library Board Adopts New Cell Phone Stipend Policy for Employees
Manhattan Announces Proposed 6% Property Tax Levy Increase
JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts