Fire chief on medical leave

BURBANK - Fire Chief Tracy Pansini, a 29-year veteran of the Burbank Fire Department, was placed on 60-day medical leave Monday, officials said.

Battalion Chief Ray Krakowski has been tapped to serve as acting chief, Capt. Ron Bell said.

City officials would not comment on the nature of the leave, citing the chief’s right to privacy.

“I’m mostly concerned about his health at this time, because before anything, Tracy is a friend,” Mayor Gary Bric said. “I plan to reach him as soon as I can.”

Since joining the department in 1979, Pansini has risen through the ranks as firefighter, fire engineer, paramedic firefighter, fire captain, and battalion chief. Before being named chief in Jan. 2006, Pansini served as interim chief and assistant chief.

Krakowski, a battalion chief with the department for 15 years, has on numerous occasions served as acting chief, City Manager Mike Flad said.

“He is exactly what you would want in an acting chief,” he said. “Operationally, and when it comes to experience fighting fires, he is second to none.”

Visit www.burbankleader.com for updates.