Bloomington City Manager names interim fire chief

Posted on November 2, 2020
The city will conduct a nationwide search for its next fire chief, with internal staff conducting the search after the first of the year, according to City Manager Tim Gleason.(Facebook/Bloomington Fire Department)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington Fire Department veteran has been named the city’s interim fire chief.

Deputy Chief Eric West will serve as interim chief following the retirement of Brian Mohr on Nov. 16, according to City Manager Tim Gleason.

“It was an easy choice for me to have Eric step right in and serve in this longer-term interim role,” said Gleason. “His years of experience, community relationships, and sound knowledge of both local needs and national trends make him a great choice to lead the department during this time.”

West will have 30 years with the city in July 2021, having served as Battalion Chief before becoming Deputy Chief of Operations in November 2015. West has served as a HAZMAT Field Instructor for the Illinois Fire Institute since June 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety from Illinois State University.

Gleason said the city will conduct a nationwide search for its next fire chief, with internal staff conducting the search after the first of the year.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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