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
Feds sue IL for refusing to turn over full info on IL voters
WATCH: Detransitioner to providers: “Please just stop” gender surgeries on minors
Bears threaten move to Indiana after property tax break bill frustrations
Phoenix serial killer gets death penalty for six 2017 murders
Assembly leaders call for Dugan’s resignation, threaten impeachment
DOJ fails to fully comply with Friday deadline for Epstein files release
Illinois legislator, physician discusses vitamin K refusals amid new study
WATCH: Commission makes ICE accountability referral; Rep says Pritzker wrong on prices
Illinois quick hits: DOJ sues over voters lists; CTA security surge
Trump administration pauses visa program after Brown U shooting suspect found dead
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Committee of the Whole for Dec. 2025
JJC Board Approves 2025 Tax Levy and Bond Abatement