Peoria Heights hires new chief for fire department. Here’s what we know

PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (25 News) – Peoria Heights has chosen a new leader for its fire department.

25 News reports Dan Decker will take over the role after the resignation of the previous full-time chief, Donovan Thompson, earlier this year.

The Peoria Heights Board of Trustees approved hiring Decker to the role at its meeting Tuesday night, for a salary of $120,000.

Decker is a retired assistant fire chief in East Peoria, and also served on the city council there.

Mayor Michael Phelan says Decker’s first effort as chief will be to conduct an in-depth needs assessment for the fire department.