Department: Administration

Tim May

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service and EmergencyManagement from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Associates Degrees in Fire Science from Richland Community College
• Promoted to Battalion Chief on April 10, 2020
• Promoted to Captain January 17, 2015
• Promoted to Lieutenant June 04, 2007
• Began career as a Fire Fighter with the Decatur Fire Department on September 3, 1997
• Licensed Paramedic,
• As Battalion Chief of 3rd Battalion, B/C May oversees the department Technical Rescue Team

Wade Watson

 

  • Promoted to Battalion Chief on November 11, 2018
  • Promoted to Captain July 2, 2013
  • Promoted to Lieutenant April 23, 2007
  • Began career as a Fire Fighter with the Decatur Fire Department on March 10, 1999

Neil Elder

  • Promoted to Battalion Chief on November 17, 2020
  • Promoted to Captain October 3, 2018
  • Promoted to Lieutenant March 25, 2010
  • Began career as a Fire Fighter with the Decatur Fire Department on September 10, 2004

Dan Kline

  • Masters Degree in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University
  • Bachelors Degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University
  • Associates Degrees in Fire Science and Nursing from Richland Community College
  • Promoted to Battalion Chief of 1st Battalion on January 14, 2015
  • Promoted to Captain August 23, 2004
  • Promoted to Lieutenant June 22, 2000
  • Began career as a Fire Fighter with the Decatur Fire Department on September 8, 1994
  • Certified Pre-Hospital RN, Trauma Nurse Specialist, and Emergency Communications RN
  • As Deputy Chief, Dan oversees the Division of Fire Prevention and Investigations as well as Fire & EMS training, EMS equipment and hydrants.

Jim Ohl

  • Promoted to Deputy Fire Chief on November 18, 2020
  • Promoted to Battalion Chief of 1st Battalion on July 2, 2018
  • Promoted to Captain August 16, 2012
  • Promoted to Lieutenant August 23, 2004
  • Began career as a Fire Fighter with the Decatur Fire Department on September 8, 1994

Jeff Abbott

Jeff Abbott became the Fire Chief of the City of Decatur on December 4, 2014 and oversees a department of 111 employees.

  • Promoted to Deputy Fire Chief on April 9, 2007
  • Promoted to Captain on August 1, 2006
  • Promoted to Lieutenant December 9, 1999
  • Began his career as a Decatur Fire Fighter on March 15, 1995
  • Associates Degree in Fire Science from Richland Community College
  • Bachelors Degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University