Peoria Fire Chief Ardis Announces Retirement; Assistant Chief Bachman Named As New Chief

Press release from the City of Peoria:

Fire Department Chief Anthony “Tony” Ardis announced he will be retiring this month. Chief Ardis joined the Fire Department in 1994, previously serving as the Assistant Chief and the Division Chief of Operations. Chief Ardis has also held several positions of leadership within Firefighters Local 50. He was an instrumental part of negotiating several past contracts for the department. He assumed the position of Fire Chief on November 30, 2019. His last day will be May 14.

City Manager, Patrick Urich thanked Chief Ardis for his service, stating, “Chief Ardis has been a passionate leader of the Peoria Fire Department, and his concern for the well-being of the citizens and the employees of the Fire Department is second to none. I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Assistant Chief James “Jim” Bachman

Assistant Chief James Bachman has been named the new Chief of the Peoria Fire Department by City Manager Urich. Currently the Assistant 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 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 Joan, his wife of twenty-five years, have three children.

“Chief Bachman has served with distinction as Assistant Chief. Chief Bachman has the management and leadership skills to lead a complex organization and the same care and concern for the Fire Department and citizens as Chief Ardis. I am excited to see Chief Bachman assume the leadership of the Peoria Fire Department.”

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.