Aurora Taps Veteran Fire Chief to Lead Department

Mark Bozik, former Roselle fire chief, selected to head Aurora Fire Department pending City Council approval.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:44pm

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A photorealistic painting of a red fire engine parked outside a brick fire station, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, capturing a sense of quiet civic pride and nostalgia.As Aurora's fire department undergoes a period of expansion, the selection of a new veteran fire chief signals a commitment to strengthening the city's emergency services.Aurora Today

Aurora Mayor John Laesch has appointed Mark Bozik, the former fire chief of Roselle, Illinois, to lead the Aurora Fire Department. Bozik's appointment is pending approval by the Aurora City Council, which is set to vote on the matter at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The selection of a new fire chief comes as Aurora's fire department undergoes an expansion, with two new fire stations opening earlier this year and a new headquarters currently under construction. However, Bozik's appointment may face some challenges, as the mayor and the city's firefighters union have not always seen eye-to-eye on certain issues.

The details

Bozik, who retired in 2025 after serving as Roselle's fire chief for several years, has over 34 years of experience in fire service. During his time in Roselle, he is credited with rebuilding the department's structure and morale through careful planning, creating strong labor-management relationships, offering robust training opportunities, and building external partnerships. The local firefighters union in Roselle has expressed full support for Bozik's candidacy for the Aurora fire chief role.

  • Bozik retired from his role as Roselle's fire chief in early 2025.
  • Aurora's former fire chief, David McCabe, retired near the end of last year after nearly three-and-a-half years in the role.
  • The Aurora City Council is set to vote on Bozik's appointment at its meeting on Tuesday.

The players

Mark Bozik

The former fire chief of Roselle, Illinois, who has been selected by Aurora Mayor John Laesch to lead the Aurora Fire Department, pending City Council approval.

John Laesch

The mayor of Aurora, Illinois, who has appointed Mark Bozik to lead the Aurora Fire Department.

David McCabe

The former fire chief of Aurora, who retired near the end of last year after nearly three-and-a-half years in the role.

Kevin Nickel

The deputy chief of the Aurora Fire Department, who has served as the interim fire chief since McCabe's retirement.

Timothy Dopita

The president of Professional Firefighters Local 4051, the union representing Aurora firefighters, who has expressed full support for Bozik's candidacy.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to having an experienced voice with a fresh perspective leading one of the strongest fire departments in the state of Illinois.”

— John Laesch, Mayor of Aurora

“Having worked closely under Chief Bozik's command during his tenure with the Roselle Fire Department, our membership has seen first-hand the caliber of leadership, integrity and professional expertise he brings to the fire service.”

— Timothy Dopita, President of Professional Firefighters Local 4051

What’s next

The Aurora City Council is set to vote on Bozik's appointment as the new fire chief at its meeting on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The selection of Mark Bozik, a veteran fire chief with a strong track record of rebuilding and leading fire departments, signals Aurora's commitment to strengthening its fire services as the city undergoes a period of expansion and growth. However, Bozik's appointment may face some challenges given the past tensions between the mayor and the city's firefighters union.