Acting St. Charles Fire Chief Takes Job On Permanent Basis

ST. CHARLES, IL — Acting St. Charles Fire Chief Scott Swanson will shed his interim status next week. Swanson, who has been serving as the city’s acting fire chief since October, was given the job on a permanent basis this week. His new-but-no-so-new role will begin Monday, according to a news release.

Swanson has been a member of the St. Charles Fire Department for more than 30 years. He joined the department in 1988, rising to lieutenant in 1992, captain in 2003, battalion chief in 2009 and assistant fire chief in 2013, the release states. He also served as acting fire chief in 2007.

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St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen praised Swanson’s “exemplary service” and leadership abilities when making the announcement.

“Scott has provided exemplary service to the St. Charles Fire Department and the community for many years,” Koenen said in the release. “He has shown he has the skills and abilities to effectively lead the department now and into the future.”

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As chief of the St. Charles Fire Department, Swanson will lead the city's fire and medical services, oversee the Tri-City Ambulance Service, represent the city on the Tri-Com 911 Board of Directors and coordinate with neighboring agencies.

Swanson graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in fire service management before earning his master’s degree in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University, the release states.