CENTRALIA, IL — After almost 25 years of service, Centralia Fire Chief John Lynch announced Thursday that he’ll retire later this month.

Chief Lynch joined the Centralia Fire Department in 1997, rose through the ranks, and was appointed Fire Chief on January 15, 2018. While serving as Chief, he’s worked to improve relationships with the surrounding departments to ensure they were working together for the public and for the department’s safety. Chief Lynch said, “He believes he’s leaving the department in good hands and in better shape than when I took the position,” He notes it took a team to accomplish their goals that it was not the Fire Chief alone and that he truly believes the men that make up the Centralia Fire Department are some of the best in the profession.

City Manager Smith, Mayor Kuder and the City Council wish Chief Lynch the best as he pursues the next chapter in his career with the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.