Mitch Crocetti's job pays pretty well, but his old job pays him even better.
The Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire Protection District chief receives $117,500 a year in his current role, but his pension after his previous 30-year career with the Wood Dale Fire Department also pays him $124,037 annually. Crocetti is one of at least 15 suburban fire chiefs who are drawing six-figure salaries while receiving pensions and building toward eventual second public pensions, according to a Daily Herald analysis of fire pension records.
Crocetti said smaller fire departments benefit by being able to pay lower salaries to retirees on pensions.
"That's how a lot of these smaller departments can afford to have experienced, educated chiefs," Crocetti said. "Without these kinds of benefits, I don't know how a smaller community could draw someone."