By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After 27 years with the Peoria Fire Department, one of its division leaders is headed to Normal to take up a new position.
Division Chief of Prevention Nate Rice announced he will retire from the Peoria department on July 3 and will join the Normal Fire Department as an assistant chief. He will join that department on July 13.
“Nate will be a tremendous asset to the Normal Fire Department. I’ve known him through his work with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Executive Board, where he serves as legislative liaison,” said Normal Fire Chief Mick Humer in a Facebook post.
When reached by phone, Rice said he was excited for the new job.
“Normal is a great community. They have a great city staff over there. Manager Reese runs a great town and she’s given me this opportunity along with Fire Chief Mick Humer,” Rice said. “I am really looking forward to working with them and also the men and women of the Normal Fire Department.
“I think I can keep moving them in a positive direction and look forward to being one of their leaders over there,” he said.
In their own Facebook post, Peoria thanked Rice for his work, saying his retirement comes with “mixed feelings of joy and sadness.”
“Chief Rice has been an excellent example of not just a Peoria firefighter but also a father, a husband, a mentor, and a leader for this community,” the Peoria post said.
Rice, the Peoria post said, received Center for Public Safety Excellence accreditation for the Peoria Fire Department last year, in 2025.
He’s been at the forefront of Community Risk Reduction strategies and “numerous public education programs to help keep our Peoria community as safe as possible.”
“While Chief Rice will undoubtedly be missed and difficult to replace, the Peoria Fire Department embraces and supports him as he continues his career endeavors with the Normal Fire Department,” the post said. “Thank you Nate for your 27 years of service and dedication, it has been our pleasure to work side by side with you!”
Rice spoke fondly of his time in Peoria.
“In 1999, I hit the lottery. I was hired on by the Peoria Fire Department and have been afforded opportunities through the Peoria Fire Department and the city of Peoria that I am pretty sure that I would not attain anywhere else,” he said. “It’s been a labor of love to be involved in this profession.
“I have worked with some great people who have supported me and championed me along the way. I can’t say thank you enough to the city of Peoria and the Peoria Fire Department for 27 years and a great career.”
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
