DeKalb Fire Chief retires after 30 years of service
DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) - DeKalb’s Fire Chief steps down after 30 years with the fire department and almost four years as chief.
Fire Chief Mike Thomas hangs up his hat as Fire Chief after years of working with the DeKalb Fire Department.
Mike Thomas joined the DeKalb Fire Department in July 1995 as a firefighter/paramedic. He worked his way up to Lieutenant/paramedic in 2009, Captain in 2016, Battalion Chief in 2019, Deputy Chief of Operations in 2021 and Fire Chief in 2022.
During his time as Fire Chief, Thomas made several changes to the DeKalb Fire Department which the City calls “momentous.”
One of those changes is the federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant of more than $2.7 million from the Department of Homeland Security. With the funding, the fire department was able to address the increase in calls it was getting with its small minimum shift level.
The DeKalb Fire Department increased its minimum shift level for the first time since the early 2000s and was able to hire nine more firefighter/paramedics. The funding was awarded in August 2021, but was pursued in 2019.
Thomas has worked with DeKalb Firefighters Union Local 1236 leaders to secure federal funding. Since 2021, the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program has funded two frontline replacement fire engines, four frontline replacement ambulances (with two more to come in 2026), a $1.6 million truck which is soon to be delivered, a variety of replacement staff vehicles, architectural costs for Fire Station Four.
He also played a big part in a five-year plan which identified the need for a new fire station on DeKalb’s southwest side. The City says Thomas was “relentless” in trying to get support. Station Four opened in April 2025.
At a City Council meeting Monday, June 23, Thomas will be recognized for his 30 years of dedication to the DeKalb Fire Department and the hard work he put into advancing its services.
Luke Howieson, Deputy Chief of Fire Operations, will become acting Fire Chief. Howieson has served in every rank of the department like Thomas. The City says he has a proven record of strategic decision-making and operational leadership.
Howieson holds three certifications from the National Fire Academy and has initiated several collaborative efforts to secure higher-level funding and training opportunities for the Department.
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