Chambana Sun

At the Sept. 6 Champaign City Council meeting, Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig was recognized for being named Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

"It is an incredible honor and thank you for this mayor and thank you council for all the continued support that you give the fire department and all the other city departments," Ludwig said. "I will add that even though I received this award, I would be remiss to say that I got it solely on my efforts. There are a tremendous amount of people behind this award, including my incredible firefighters, and I have to give them credit.”

Ludwig was previously the president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served 45 years in the service. He started at the age of 18 and has been a licensed paramedic for 43 years. 

Police Chief Timothy Tyler was called up to help administer oaths for three new police officers. He thanked the city council and manager’s office for their diligence in keeping the police force strong and well equipped and introduced the three new officers, all of whom were hired through the lateral police application process that the council approved.

The three officers, Sebastian Rivera, Christopher Mackins, and David Warby, were all sworn in before the city council, with family in attendance as well. Two of the officers are veterans, with Rivera having served in the Air Force and being a current member of the Illinois National Guard. Mankins is currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserves after being in the Army.