Rockford Fire Chief named fire chief of the year in Illinois

ROCKFORD (WREX) — Illinois' fire chief of the year is from right here in the Stateline.

Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten is the 2020 Fire Chief of the Year. The Illinois Fire Chief's Association chose Bergsten for the award. It honors a person who has made a significant, ongoing contribution to the field. Chief Bergsten says the award isn't about him, but about the fire department itself.

"To be recognized for the support of our staff and the mayor and the alderman that continually support the organization, it's just very humbling for myself," said Chief Bergsten.

Chief Bergsten says moving forward, the Rockford Fire Department will continue to perform at a high level and work to serve people in the city.