PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR -
Christopher W. Curtis
City of Kankakee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 15, 2026

MAYOR CURTIS TO APPOINT GARRICK KASPER AS KANKAKEE FIRE CHIEF

KANKAKEE, Illinois - Kankakee Mayor Christopher W. Curtis will appoint Garrick Kasper to the
position of Fire Chief for the City of Kankakee Fire Department and place his appointment on the
October 19, 2026 City Council Agenda. The appointment seeks the consent and approval from the 14 Alderperson City Council. Upon City Council consent, Kasper would assume the role of Kankakee Fire
Chief on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Kasper brings 30 years of fire service and public service experience, with the last decade focused on fire department administration, operations, personnel, training, budgeting, and emergency response. He has served as Fire Chief of the Oak Forest Fire Department since October 2021, following service as Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Chief. Kasper has served with the Oak Forest Fire Department for over 25 years. His previous experience also includes service with the Otto Township Fire Protection District, Flossmoor Fire Department, and Country Club Hills Fire Department.

Kasper is a resident of the City of Kankakee and emerged from a list of 23 internal and external candidates for the replacement of retiring Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche.

Mayor Curtis stated, "Garrick Kasper brings extensive experience in fire service leadership, department operations, and emergency response. I look forward to welcoming him to the City of Kankakee and working with him as we continue our commitment to public safety and the well-being of our residents."

Mayor Curtis added, "The decision and process to find our newest fire chief for the City of Kankakee was one of the most difficult decisions I've had as Mayor of the City of Kankakee. Each candidate that interviewed for the position enlightened the committee and suggested outstanding ideas for the advancement of what I believe is one of the top tier fire departments in the State of Illinois."

Additionally Mayor Curtis stated, "I also want to personally express my gratitude to Chief LaRoche, who graciously delayed his retirement date for eight weeks to maintain continuity and leadership of the
Kankakee Fire Department. I am proud of Chief LaRoche for his tenure and his unwavering commitment to not only the City of Kankakee, but also to me, as he has served alongside me and the administration team since I was elected Mayor in 2021."

The Deputy Fire Chief position will remain vacant for a short period and Mayor Curtis will work in coordination with the new Fire Chief to fill that position in the near future.