It’s not every day that dreams come true. But on August 10 Mahomet resident John Koller will realize his lifelong dream as he begins his tenure as the Fire Chief of the Cornbelt Fire Protection District.
Koller, who moved to Mahomet with his family when he became a fire marshal with the city of Champaign, has also served on the Cornbelt board of trustees since 2009. He resigned his trustee position earlier this summer in order to pursue the Fire Chief position, which opened when Lloyd Galey retired.
“Being able to realize a career goal with the Cornbelt and in Mahomet is just a dream,” Koller said. “It’s such a wonderful organization. I’ve been in the fire service for 20 years, and the professionalism and care that our personnel show is incredible. To be able to have the opportunity to serve those people as well is just unbelievable.”
Koller said the Cornbelt Fire Department has seen an increase in volunteers and a decrease in response times due to the fact that current volunteers and staff at the station are top notch. Nationally, volunteer fire departments have reported a decrease in volunteers and increases in response times.
As Fire Chief, Koller said he is looking forward to building on the outstanding programs the Cornbelt already has, such as volunteer training and educating the community. He also said being accessible to the community is important to him.
“This department is our community’s department,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to think they can’t walk into our station and come see me or any of the personnel. I don’t want people to be afraid to come up to me during a Friday night football game to ask me a question.”
Koller said another important component to cutting down on response times will be completing the $2.7 million equipment building slated to be built along Franklin Street. The building will house rescue vehicles and equipment not used on a daily basis. Right now, trucks, rescue vehicles and equipment is double-stacked in the current facility.
But Koller said “even with five buildings or $100 million of equipment, it is the personnel to take the calls” that is most important.
“People need to know just how wonderful and dedicated these personnel are,” he said. “I hope they appreciate them because I know I do.”
Firefighter Jim Rolson, who has served on the Cornbelt Fire Department for 27 years, filled Koller’s seat on the board.
