Meet the Staff
Fire Chief
Tyler Funk
Chief Tyler Funk began his career as a Firefighter with the Champaign Fire Department in 1997 and worked his way up through the ranks during his long and distinguished career. He retired at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief in July 2023. Funk also served as Acting Fire Chief during the City’s COVID emergency response in 2020-2021, served as Fire Marshal from 2019-2023, taught Incident Command System training at the department for many years, and
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Chief Tyler Funk began his career as a Firefighter with the Champaign Fire Department in 1997 and worked his way up through the ranks during his long and distinguished career. He retired at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief in July 2023. Funk also served as Acting Fire Chief during the City’s COVID emergency response in 2020-2021, served as Fire Marshal from 2019-2023, taught Incident Command System training at the department for many years, and was a member of the State of Illinois’ MABAS deployable Hazmat team. Prior to joining the Champaign Fire Department, Funk proudly served as a Department of Defense Firefighter with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, NC, from 1992-1996.
Deputy Chief
Josh Jessup
Deputy Chief Joshua Jessup began his career at CFD in 2005. Josh has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain before being appointed Deputy Fire Chief in February 2024. Josh has a Bachelor’s in Health Studies and Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Administration
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Deputy Chief Joshua Jessup began his career at CFD in 2005. Josh has held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain before being appointed Deputy Fire Chief in February 2024. Josh has a Bachelor’s in Health Studies and Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Purdue Global. Josh’s passions in the fire service include Safety, Wellness and Mental/Behavorial Health. Josh helped start the Champaign Fire Department Peer Support Team in 2013 and still serves as a Peer Supporter in Champaign and regionally.
Deputy Chief
Jason Rector
Deputy Chief Jason Rector has served the Champaign Fire Department since 2008 where he has held the rank of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain before being appointed to Deputy Chief in February 2024. Jason has a Master’s degree in Safety, Security and Emergency Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire
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Deputy Chief Jason Rector has served the Champaign Fire Department since 2008 where he has held the rank of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain before being appointed to Deputy Chief in February 2024. Jason has a Master’s degree in Safety, Security and Emergency Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire and Safety Engineering from Eastern Kentucky University. Jason currently serves on the Champaign County CASA board of directors and has held numerous roles with the Champaign County United Way. DC Rector was born and raised in Champaign. Jason attended Robeson Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Centennial High School.
Building Safety Supervisor
Randy Smith
Randy Smith oversees and coordinates permit and inspection activities for
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Randy Smith oversees and coordinates permit and inspection activities for construction in Champaign. The Building Safety Division ensures quality construction, energy efficient buildings, and confirms that life safety and accessibility code requirements are met. Mr. Smith’s areas of supervision include plan reviews and inspections of buildings, fire protection systems, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Mr. Smith is also a Champaign County Emergency Management Agency Damage Assessment Coordinator.
Deputy Fire Marshal
Jeremy Mitchell
Jeremy Mitchell performs fire inspections and code enforcement in commercial
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Jeremy Mitchell performs fire inspections and code enforcement in commercial properties and conducts fire safety educational programs within the City. He also is a member of the Fire Department’s fire investigation team.
Deputy Fire Marshal
Robert Simmons
Robert Simmons performs fire inspections and code enforcement in commercial
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Robert Simmons performs fire inspections and code enforcement in commercial properties and conducts fire safety educational programs within the City. He also is a member of the Fire Department’s fire investigation team.