The community is invited today, Jan. 6, to celebrate three decades of service by retired Rock Island Fire Chief Jeff Yerkey from 1-3 p.m. at the Rock Island Fire Department Central House, 1313 Fifth Avenue.
Mr. Yerkey, who became the city’s chief in April 2016 and had served as assistant city manager since July 2021, announced last fall that he would retire from the job in January 2023.
In his absence, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Graff is serving as interim chief until the city hires his replacement.
Mr. Yerkey’s early notice allowed Rock Island to begin the interview process relatively quickly, said Sarah Hayden, Rock Island community engagement manager.
Two finalists are in the running and “those two candidates will be the topic of Monday night’s closed session,” she added. “I would expect them to decide during that session and an announcement may be made as early as Tuesday morning.”
Mr. Yerkey was first appointed in 1990 as a firefighter paramedic, according to the city’s website. He was part of the first group of paramedics that launched Rock Island’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 2000 and captain in 2006. He rose to battalion chief in 2008 and assistant fire chief in 2010. He was named fire chief on April 4, 2016.
