New Firefigher, Assistant Village Manager Welcomed in La Grange Park

The welcomed a new firefighter/paramedic and a new assistant village manager to the village at a Tuesday night board meeting.

Fire Chief Dean Maggos welcomed new firefighter Michael Ries and presided over the Ries' swearing in ceremony. Ries is a La Grange Park resident and is currently a full-time firefighter in another Chicago suburb, Maggos said.

"What Mike [Ries] does and what all of our personnel does is a big time commitment," Maggos said at the swearing in ceremony. "It doesn't end here."

For his part, Ries said he loves what he does and can't wait to get started.

The Village also welcomed new Assistant Village Manager Emily Rodman to its staff.

Rodman comes to La Grange Park after eight years as a planner and then senior planner at the Village of Woodridge. Rodman received her undergraduate degree in German and received her graduate degree in Urban Regional Planning from the University of Iowa.

"I just wanted to say I'm very, very excited to be here," Rodman told the board and audience. "I'm very excited to dive right in."