Eric West named Bloomington Fire Chief

Posted on April 12, 2021
Eric West will have 30 years with the city in July 2021, having served as Battalion Chief before becoming Deputy Chief of Operations in November 2015 and Interim Fire Chief in November 2020. (Photo courtesy City of Bloomington)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason on Monday announced Eric West will be the city’s next fire chief.

A department veteran, West will have 30 years with the city in July 2021, having served as Battalion Chief before becoming Deputy Chief of Operations in November 2015 and Interim Fire Chief in November 2020.

“Eric’s knowledge of the department and the function of firefighting, his experience, ideas, and relationships make him a great fit to lead this department,” said Gleason in a news release Monday. “Bloomington’s fire department is amongst the best in the country but, like other departments nationwide, they face some unique challenges that he will be able to hit the ground running to address with the talent that he has on his team.”

West being named to the city’s top fire post comes following a national search where more than 40 applicants applied to become the next chief. His appointment comes after the departure of former Fire Chief Brian Mohr, who retired last fall after nearly 30 years with the department.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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