Fire Chief Tomblin moves up retirement date; new chief named
- Details
- Published on Friday, 06 November 2015 17:13
- Written by Paul Gordon
Kent Tomblin, Peoria Fire Chief for nearly nine years, announced Friday he will retire at the end of this month. His last day will be Nov. 27.
Tomblin announced his decision to the Peoria City Council and city department heads. He had earlier announced he would retire in February 2016.
Chuck Lauss, current the assistant fire chief, was named Friday as the new Fire Chief by City Manager Patrick Urish. The city will soon begin the process of filling the assistant fire chief position.
Tomblin has been Fire Chief since Feb. 19, 2007 and has been a fire service professional for more than 36 years. He started with the Peoria Fire Department on May 7, 1979 and has served as a firefighter, fire engineer, fire captain and assistant chief.
During his tenure with the Peoria Fire Department, Chief Tomblin has been on-site for multiple major fire incidents in the city’s history, including the 1984 fire of the Beeney Warehouse, where Riverplex now stands, as well as the 9th floor fire in the former Lehmann Building, which is where the Becker Building now stands.
Tomblin said the biggest advances he’s seen in his industry include increased education and technological improvements in fire gear and equipment.
“As I look back on over 37 years with the Peoria Fire Department, I can honestly say there is nothing about the Fire Department that I don’t love. I have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of this department. I felt that way the first day I reported to work on May 7, 1979 and that feeling remains with me today. Although I will miss it, I look forward to spending my time with my loved ones, especially my five grandchildren,” Tomblin said in a statement.
Urich thanked Tomblin for his years of service, stating, “Chief Tomblin has dedicated his career to the Peoria Fire Department and has spent the majority of his life working for the residents. The city has benefitted from his knowledge of fire service, his consummate leadership and his dedication to his community. I wish him the best in retirement.”
Tomblin has been a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Firefighters, the National Fire Prevention Association, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, and the Energy Efficiency Task Force. He was also appointed by the Governor to the Office of State Fire Marshal Advisory Commission.
Starting with the 1986 Collective Bargaining Act, he participated in or contributed to every discussion involving collective bargaining. Partnering with State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Tomblin participated in the Peoria Area Labor Management (P.A.L.M.) program, going as far as Chicago to discuss labor management practices with the C.T.A.
In 2000, Tomblin was awarded the Eugene G. Moore Community Service Award by the Peoria AFL-CIO and the Robert G. Gibson Community Service Award by the Illinois State AFL-CIO.
Tomblin is also an active runner, having completed seven marathons, including the Run River City Marathon in Peoria and the Chicago Marathon.
