Chambana Sun

On June 4, 2025, Champaign Fire Chief Andy Quarnstrom announced his retirement from the City of Champaign, effective July 14, 2025. Quarnstrom has served at the Champaign Fire Department for nearly 28 years. He joined the department in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in February 2024.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of this wonderful community for the last 28 years,” said Chief Andy Quarnstrom. “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work alongside and lead the dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line in service to our community. I want to thank the City Council, the City Manager, City staff, the men and women of the Champaign Fire Department, and my family for their unwavering support. While this concludes my long career with the City of Champaign, I want to assure our residents that the Fire Department is well-trained and equipped to continue providing the same high level of protective services they have come to expect.”

City Manager Joan Walls commented on Quarnstrom's retirement: “Andy has dedicated his entire career to serving Champaign’s residents. He is a well-respected leader in the fire services field, and his vast knowledge, experience, and leadership skills will be missed. In addition to being a dedicated public servant, Andy’s commitment to volunteerism and support of countless community organizations shows his true love for our community. His caring and compassion have positively impacted the lives of Champaign’s residents, and I wish him the very best as he closes this chapter in his life and starts a new one.”

Chief Quarnstrom reflected on several accomplishments during his tenure: becoming the first Champaign firefighter in nearly 50 years to advance to Fire Chief; managing COVID-19 response efforts; overseeing remodeling projects at all fire stations; participating in designing Ladder 164 currently used at Fire Station 4; leading efforts for acquiring Lucas automated chest compression systems; implementing an internal fire academy; enhancing collaboration with police departments.

The process for recruiting a new Fire Chief will commence later this summer.