Meet the Staff
Interim Fire Chief
Gary Gula
Interim Chief Gary Gula is a 34-year veteran of the Champaign Fire Department, began his firefighting career at CFD in 1989. He has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief of Training, and Deputy Chief of Operations. Throughout his fire service career, he has developed a passion for training. Beginning as early as his role as a firefighter, he has led fire department training, sharing skills to prepare his fellow firefighters in life saving
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Interim Chief Gary Gula is a 34-year veteran of the Champaign Fire Department, began his firefighting career at CFD in 1989. He has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief of Training, and Deputy Chief of Operations. Throughout his fire service career, he has developed a passion for training. Beginning as early as his role as a firefighter, he has led fire department training, sharing skills to prepare his fellow firefighters in life saving skills and techniques. In 1995, he became an instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he has been able to pass along what he has learned to more than 50 academies of firefighting recruits. Prior to entering the fire service, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1984-1987. Following his time in the Army, he attended Parkland College and the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute.
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.