West Frankfort fire chief resigns during council meeting amid pay dispute

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — West Frankfort Fire Chief Derek Sailliez resigned during a city council meeting Tuesday following a dispute over his compensation.

The resignation came after council members returned from a brief executive session and voted unanimously to keep Sailliez’s employment terms and pay unchanged.

Sailliez asked for clarification on the decision and, after being told no changes would be made, approached the front of the room, handed the mayor his resignation letter and returned to his seat.

The move drew a reaction from a crowd of firefighters, EMS personnel and residents in attendance, prompting an extended public comment period. Several speakers voiced support for Sailliez and criticized the council’s decision.

Ahead of the meeting, West Frankfort Firefighters IAFF Local 2402 encouraged residents to attend, stating the chief deserved increased compensation and citing his leadership within the department.

City officials did not take formal action on the resignation during the meeting because it was not listed on the agenda.

Sailliez is expected to return to a captain position within the department. The city has not announced who will serve as interim fire chief or what steps will be taken moving forward.