PEORIA HEIGHTS ( WMBD Radio ) -

After three months with the Peoria Heights Fire Department, Interim Chief Tony Ardis is leaving.

The announcement was made at Tuesday night’s Village Trustees meeting.

Ahead of his departure, Ardis has been tasked with telling the board what the department’s weaknesses are, and how to move forward.

Ardis says the department is not in a good place with manpower and backup when it comes to structure fires.

“The way it’s set up now, if a structure fire comes in the Village of Peoria Heights, and a box is called, we get one engine from Peoria…plus a battalion chief from Peoria. And, then the outside agencies bring equipment. In no way, shape or form, is that safe,” Ardis says.

The interim fire chief says the Village’s firefighters need additional support

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