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
Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large
Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago charter schools CEO charged
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago charter schools CEO charged
Manhattan Park Board Reviews 2025 Annual Reports, Highlighting Growth in Camp Enrollment and Special Events
Peotone Township Homeowner Secures Porch P&Z Variance Despite Local Objection
Manhattan Township Property Owners Secure Zoning P&Z Approvals for Pole Barn Addition, Parcel Consolidation
Lincoln-Way West Explodes for 16 Runs in Five-Inning Shutout Over Stagg
FTC takes action against ad giants for avoiding certain sites
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold
Calif. climate change lawsuits paused during SCOTUS review