Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:

At the beginning of this week’s Waukegan City Council meeting, Lake County Circuit Court Judge George Bridges Sr. took the stage to administer the oath of office to his son, George Bridges Jr., who was sworn in as the city's new fire chief.

“It would be my honor to swear him in, with your permission,” Judge Bridges said during the October 5 council session, which was attended by a full house of supporters and colleagues eager to witness the transition. The younger Bridges succeeded Ricco Farrell, who retired on the same day after a long career in the department.

Mayor Wayne Motley explained that he had selected Bridges after consulting with Farrell, who had provided a list of candidates following his announcement last month that he would step down to care for his aging parents.

“Let me be very clear — there is no misunderstanding or misconception here. I chose Mr. Bridges for three specific reasons: his competence, his courage, and his deep commitment to Waukegan,” Motley stated.

“Those are the only three reasons, and nothing more.”

After the meeting, Motley was asked to clarify further. He revealed that he had heard allegations of favoritism and even comments tied to race regarding his choice.

“I didn’t choose him because he’s Black, and I didn’t choose him because he’s my friend’s son,” Motley said, emphasizing that he had worked alongside the elder Bridges in the police department. “There were many qualified candidates, but I chose him because he knows this city better than anyone else.”

Council members Aldermen Cunningham and Moisio both praised the decision, highlighting the value of promoting from within the ranks of the fire department.

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