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
Student Council Presidents Highlight Senior Year Accomplishments
Will County Board Meeting Briefs Package
Manhattan Police Reports
Manhattan District Adopts New Math Program After Comprehensive Review
Manhattan Junior High Scholastic Bowl Team Places Second at State Championship
Enrollment Growth Prompts Staffing Discussions as Construction Continues
School District 114 Meeting Briefs
Manhattan Road District Eyes $2.1M Budget, Hinges on Unguaranteed Solar Farm Funds
Manhattan Township Delays Decision on Critical Server Upgrade Amid Security Concerns
Frankfort Park District Reorganizes Board, Explores Options for Tax-Impacting Projects
Assessor Announces End to “Empathetic” Tax Reductions, Raises Senior Freeze Threshold
Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for May 13, 2025