Longtime Du Quoin fire chief Bob Shaw to hang up the hose

Du Quoin Fire Chief Bob Shaw will retire after 30 years of service, it was announced at the Du Quoin City Council meeting Monday.

Shaw's retirement takes effect April 6, but the chief is expected to use between 14 and 16 weeks of accrued vacation time. Mayor Guy Alongi stated that due to financial reasons, the department would operate with a six-man force, instead of a seven-man force, until July when a seventh man will be added.

"I plan to address the council at its next meeting," Shaw told the Du Quoin Call on Tuesday. "I will officially turn in my paperwork then and hopefully have a brief presentation to give to the council."

Also during the meeting, Alongi announced his intent to recommend current Assistant Chief David Durkota be appointed as the new fire chief.

"You had some personal losses and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to you," said Alongi, referencing the June 2011 death of Shaw's 22-year-old son, Corey, who died from injuries suffered while fighting a fire at the Pinckneyville Antique Mall and Kunz Opera House.

Alongi said the DQFD will operate without an assistant chief until 2019, when the council will determine whether to have an assistant chief's position or only captains.

The next meeting of the Du Quoin City Council is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.