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
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for Jan. 20, 2026
Will County Commits $15M to Transfer Sanitary District Operations to City of Joliet
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way 210 Board of Education for Jan. 15, 2026
Manhattan Updates Financial Signatories and IMRF Representation
Fire District Establishes Fees for Lift Assists
Prairie View Landfill Expansion Plans Take Shape as Consultants Navigate Design Challenges
County Committee Proposes Federal Study on “Legacy Pollution” Near Joliet and Romeoville Refineries
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 for Jan. 14, 2026
Manhattan Police Chief Reports Rise in Traffic Accidents; Ordinance Violations Surge
50 Donors Sought for Community Blood Drive on Jan. 29
County Authorizes Condemnation to Advance Francis and Marley Road Improvements