Beecher Fire District Reorganizes Board, Approves New Record System and Community Donations

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has established its leadership for the upcoming year, reappointing Margie Cook as president, while also approving a major technology upgrade with a new record management system. The board further committed to supporting local causes with donations to the Special Olympics, the Beecher Chamber of Commerce, and the Will County 100 Club.

Beecher Fire District Board Key Points:

• Margie Cook was reappointed as Board President, Mike Waterman as Secretary, and Dave Kolosh as Treasurer.

• The board approved a five-year contract with Image Trend for a new, modern record management system.

• Annual donations were approved for the Will County 100 Club ($500) and the Beecher Chamber of Commerce, along with a hole sponsorship for a Special Olympics golf outing.

• Trustees also formally adopted an Initial Eligibility Register for personnel.

BEECHER, IL – The Beecher Fire Protection District board has set its leadership for the coming year, reappointing Margie Cook as president during its annual reorganization on Thursday. The board also took several significant actions, including approving a five-year contract for a new digital record management system and making financial commitments to three community organizations.

The leadership appointments were handled in a series of unanimous votes. Trustee Mike Waterman nominated Cook for president, a motion seconded by Trustee Lyle Siefker. Cook will continue to lead the five-member board, which also includes Waterman, who was appointed secretary, and Dave Kolosh, who was appointed treasurer. All board members—Cook, Waterman, Kolosh, Bruce Becker, and Siefker—were present and voted in favor of all appointments.

Following the reorganization, the board approved a major technological upgrade by authorizing a five-year contract with Image Trend. The company will provide the district’s new record management software, replacing the previous system. Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti had noted in his report that the district was preparing for the software move. This system is critical for maintaining accurate records of incidents, training, and other essential operations.

Trustees also voted to support three community and charitable groups. A motion by Waterman and Siefker approved a hole sponsorship for the Special Olympics Region E Golf Outing. In two separate motions initiated by Becker, the board agreed to donate to the Beecher Chamber of Commerce for a 4th of July street lamp sign and to make a recurring annual donation of $500 to the Will County 100 Club, an organization that supports the families of fallen first responders. All donation motions passed unanimously.

In a final piece of new business, the board voted to adopt an Initial Eligibility Register, a procedural step that formalizes the list of candidates eligible for hiring, following a motion by Waterman and Becker.

The board also entered a closed session at 7:36 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, reconvening the public meeting later without taking any action.