Deputy Chief Paul Polep Appointed Interim Evanston Fire Chief

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston City Manager Erika Storlie today announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Paul Polep as interim chief of the Evanston Fire Department.

Polep, a 24-year veteran of the department with 30 years of fire service experience, will assume his new role following the retirement of Fire Chief Brian Scott on Friday, January 15.

“Deputy Chief Polep is an experienced and capable leader dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Evanston firefighters and the greater community,” Storlie said. “I appreciate him stepping up to lead the Evanston Fire Department in this critical role.”

Polep began his service with the Evanston Fire Department in 1996 and has risen through the ranks, serving as captain, division chief of emergency medical services, and most recently as deputy chief of operations. As deputy chief, Polep has managed the day-to-day operations of the Evanston Fire Department while also implementing key upgrades to the department's Computer Aided Dispatch and National Fire Incident Reporting systems.

He previously served as lieutenant and as a firefighter/paramedic with McHenry Township Fire Protection District. Polep holds an associate degree in Applied Fire Science from McHenry County College, and has achieved Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. He is a resident of Evanston.

This release was produced by City of Evanston. For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.The views expressed here are the author's own.