The Village of Peoria Heights has appointed a new interim fire chief.
25 News reports that Austin Szentez, 34, is stepping into the role after serving as deputy chief. He joined the department on a part-time basis in 2024.
Szentez brings 17 years of firefighting experience to the position, including work with the Limestone Fire Protection District and East Peoria Fire Department. He’s completed training at Illinois Central College and the Illinois Fire Service Institute at the University of Illinois.
He becomes interim chief after Tony Ardis, who replaced Dan Decker. Both former chiefs recommended Szentez for the position, which Peoria Heights Mayor Matt Wigginton says speaks volumes about his readiness to lead.
Szentez is the fourth fire chief in the last two and a half years for Peoria Heights. He told the village board he hopes to break that streak and make the position permanent.
His salary as interim chief will be $75,000, with a new contract to be negotiated if he becomes permanent chief.
Szentez says his immediate priorities include improving firefighter training and pursuing grants to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.
“I’ll give it my best shot,” Szentez promised the board.
Comments