Four members of the Park Forest Fire Department were promoted during a ceremony at Village Hall on Monday night, signaling a transition in leadership following recent retirements, including that of longtime Fire Chief Tracy Natyshok.
Mark Cotrano was named the new fire chief. Cotrano began his career in 2003 and joined the Park Forest department in 2007. He has served as lieutenant, shift commander, and deputy chief. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire service management from Southern Illinois University and several officer and specialty certifications. His wife, Katie, participated in the badge-pinning ceremony with their five children present.
Taylor Bordewyk will take over as deputy chief. Bordewyk started with Park Forest in 2007 as a firefighter/paramedic after serving as a U.S. Army sergeant. He has 18 years of service with the department and earned a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management from Columbia Southern University. His wife, Amy, pinned his badge during the event.
Kevin Grove was promoted to shift commander/paramedic from lieutenant/paramedic. Grove began his firefighting career in Crete Township in 2006 before joining Park Forest in 2011. He is responsible for coordinating emergency responses, federal fire reporting, and maintaining radio equipment for the department. His wife Lindsay and their children Emily and Brandon took part in his pinning ceremony.
Tom Marconi advanced to lieutenant after beginning as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2009 and joining full-time staff in 2015. Marconi holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science and serves as training officer for the Gray Cart team. His wife Alisa pinned his badge while their children Eliana and Luca attended.
The promotions were met with applause from trustees, staff, and residents at Village Hall.
