The City of Silvis is on the search for a replacement for Fire Chief John Winters, who is resigning effective to take another fire chief position.
In a news release Tuesday, Oct. 15, city leaders said Mr. Winters has “accepted an opportunity to further his firefighting career as the new fire chief in a larger community in Southern Illinois.” His resignation is effective at the end of October.
During his tenure, Mr. Winters has been a key leader. He served the city and surrounding areas with dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, the release said.
“We are deeply grateful for Chief Winters’ service,” Silvis Mayor Matt Carter said. “His contributions to our city’s safety and his efforts in enhancing the department’s capabilities will be remembered. He will truly be missed, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Joined Silvis in 2018
Mr. Winters, a Quad Cities native, began his fire service career with the Silvis Fire Department in February 2005, according to the city’s website. After ascending through the ranks, he became fire chief in April 2018. Mr. Winters also was named Silvis’ emergency management director in 2023.
He earned the Chief Fire Officer professional designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association. There he has serve Volunteer and Combination Officers Committee director.
Mr. Winters has taught with the Illinois Fire Service Institute since the fall of 2018. He teaches in the Hazardous Materials, National Incident Management Systems, and Cornerstone programs. He also teaches for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Mr. Winters is the current president of MABAS Division 39 and has served as the division’s past hazardous materials coordinator.
In its release, the city said it will begin the process of selecting a new fire chief. “In the interim, the department will continue to operate with the same commitment to excellence under the guidance of its current leadership team.”
