Fire Chief James Bachman Announces Retirement

January 26, 2022 (Peoria, IL) Fire Chief James Bachman announced he will be retiring on March 18. Chief Bachman began his career with the Peoria Fire Department on May 9, 1994. He has served the community as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief of Operations. He was promoted to Fire Chief in May 2021. He is state-certified as a Hazardous Materials Technician A and B. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, he holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He also attended ICC and received his Associate Degree in Business Administration and received an Associate Degree in Fire Science from John Wood Community College. He and his wife, Joan, have 3 children.

City Manager Patrick Urich stated. "I want to thank Chief Bachman for his years of service to the residents of Peoria and his leadership of the department during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. His experience serving in many divisions provided him with comprehensive expertise of the Fire Department."

The City plans on doing a national search for the next Fire Chief.

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