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Simkins Named Galesburg Fire Chief

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-906265.mp3

Galesburg, IL – Galesburg has a new fire chief -- but it's a stretch to call him "new." He's been serving as interim chief for the past few months.

Tom Simkins beat nearly 30 other applicants for the department's top job. City Manager Dane Bragg announced the appointment at a Friday press conference.

Simkins has served the fire department in numerous capacities, including battalion chief and deputy chief and interim chief -- a position he's held for the past few months. Simkins replaces former chief John Cratty.

Simkins says he's excited about his new role, but doesn't think much will change.

"I just think it's a daily evaluation of the department to see what we can always do better," says Simkins. "But as far as any major changes, I'm not expecting anything major."

Simkins says he and the other applicants went through an intense application process that took a couple of months. But he felt he was more than prepared -- he's been a firefighter in Galesburg for 25 years.

Simkins says he'd like to see at least a couple of things improve, even though no major changes will happen. He says the Galesburg fire department is rather "stereotypical" right now. To change that, he says he'd like to see more women and minorities apply to be firefighters.

Simkins will also continue to serve as Knox County's ESDA Coordinator.