Assistant fire chief in Normal retires

Posted on June 13, 2023
Doug Barnett was hired July 20, 1998, and was serving as a Lieutenant before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations in July of 2009. (Photo courtesy Normal Fire Department)

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Normal Fire Department Assistant Chief Doug Barnett is retiring after more than 24 years of service, according to a news release Monday.

Barnett was hired July 20, 1998, and was serving as a Lieutenant before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations in July of 2009.

Jim Vaughn, previously a battalion chief on second shift, was promoted to fill the Assistant Chief position. Vaughn is a 25-year veteran of the Normal Fire Department and served in his previous role of battalion chief since 2014.

Greg Eft, previously a lieutenant, was promoted as the next battalion chief of second shift. Eft is a 24-year veteran of the department and has served as a lieutenant since 2010. 

Finally, Firefighter-Paramedic Preston Gloede was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Gloede is a 17-year veteran of the department and will assume his new role at Station 2 on second shift.

The new officers were sworn into their new positions at a ceremony Monday afternoon at Normal Fire Department Headquarters.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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