IFCA Chief Awards
In May, 1979, the IFCA Board approved the program for Outstanding and Distinguished Illinois Fire Chief of the Year as recommended by board member, Chief Paul Boecker, Lisle FPD.
Fire Chief of the Year
| 2024 |
Chief Keith Krestan, Lisle-Woodridge FPD
Chief Andy Dina, Warrenville FPD |
| 2023 |
Chief Rudy Horist, McHenry Township FPD |
| 2022 |
Chief Joe Heim, East Dubuque FD |
| 2021 |
No Award Presented |
| 2020 |
Chief Derek Bergsten, Rockford FD
Chief John Koller, Cornbelt FPD |
| 2019 |
Chief Joseph Henning, Quincy FD |
| 2018 |
Chief Andy Bonomo, York Center FPD
Chief Richard Mikel, Elk Grove Village FD |
| 2017 |
No Award Presented |
| 2016 |
Chief Don Markowski, Addison FPD
Chief David Mayotte, Watseka FD |
| 2015 |
Chief John Hojek, Hometown FPD |
| 2014 |
Chief Michael Falese, Bartlett FPD
Chief Brent Saunders, O’Fallon FD |
| 2013 |
No Award Presented |
| 2012 |
Chief Craig Haigh, Hanover Park FD
Chief Harold Holsinger, Coal City FD |
| 2011 |
Chief John Schuldt, Carpentersville FD
Chief Mark Kirschhoffer, Newport Township FPD |
| 2010 |
Chief David Dato, Wauconda FPD
Chief Myron Munyon, Papineau FPD |
| 2009 |
Chief Joseph Holomy, Effingham FD
Chief Greg Render, Signal Hill FD |
| 2008 |
Chief Michael Figolah, Mount Prospect FD
Fire Marshal Robert Bettenhausen, Tinley Park FD |
| 2007 |
No Award Presented |
| 2006 |
Chief Tim Sashko, Buffalo Grove FD |
| 2005 |
Chief Thomas Freeman, Lisle-Woodridge FPD |
| 2004 |
Chief Patrick Kenny, Hinsdale FD |
| 2003 |
Chief James Grady III, Frankfort FPD – Paid and/or Combination Category
Chief Robert B. Graham, Lake Bluff FD – Volunteer
Commissioner James Joyce, Chicago FD – Paid Category |
| 2002 |
Chief Jay Reardon, Northbrook FD |
| 2001 |
Chief Chuck Henrici, River Grove FD – Lifetime Achievement Award
Chief Dan Hermes, Pleasantview FPD – Paid Chief of the Year
Chief Rick Haase, Staunton FPD – Volunteer Chief of the Year |
| |
|
| 1982 |
Outstanding |
| |
Chief Larry Pairitz, Mount Prospect FD |
| |
Chief Paul Boecker, Lisle FD |
| |
Distinguished |
| |
Chief Richard Beilfuss, Glenbrook FPD |
| |
Chief James Cote, Broadview FD |
| |
Chief Harvey Carothers, Palatine FD |
| |
Recognition |
| |
Chief William (Red) Stancliff, Aledo FD |
| 1981 |
Outstanding |
| |
Chief John Reitman, Sr., Libertyville FD |
| |
Distinguished |
| |
Chief Ken Wood, Glenview FD |
| |
Chief Al Hoelbl, Niles FD |
| |
Chief R.S. Rockenbach, Grayslake FD |
| |
Chief John Henrici, U.S. Fire Administration, Region V |
| |
Recognition |
| |
None |
| 1980 |
Outstanding |
| |
Chief Edward Peters, Joliet FD |
| |
Chief Robert Murray, Bridgeview FD |
| |
Chief James Cragan, Rockford FD |
| |
Distinguished |
| |
Chief Jerome Burke, Skokie FD |
| |
Chief Tom Nelson, Tri-State FPD |
| |
Recognition |
| |
None |