Champaign appoints new Interim Fire Chief

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Champaign City Manager announced the appointment of Tyler Funk as the City of Champaign’s Interim Fire Chief, effective July 14, 2025.

Funk, who retired as Deputy Fire Chief in 2023 after 26 years with the Champaign Fire Department, has been recognized for his leadership and familiarity with the department's operations.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude and thank Tyler for agreeing to come out of retirement to serve as Champaign’s Interim Fire Chief,” said Champaign City Manager Joan Walls. “Tyler is a well-respected and trusted leader who is very familiar with the operations, services, and personnel at the Champaign Fire Department. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the department and thank him for serving the City and our residents in this interim role.”

Funk’s career began in 1997, and he has held various roles, including Acting Fire Chief during the COVID emergency and Fire Marshal. Prior to joining the Champaign Fire Department, Funk proudly served as a Department of Defense Firefighter with the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, NC, from 1992-1996.

He will succeed Chief Andy Quarnstrom, who is retiring on the same date, and the recruitment for a new Fire Chief will begin later this summer.

Funk said, “I want to thank the City Manager for putting her trust in me to lead this amazing department during this important period of transition. I am grateful to have this opportunity to continue supporting the hard-working professionals of the Champaign Fire Department until a new Fire Chief is selected. I cherish the relationships that I built throughout my career with the City of Champaign, and the experiences I shared with the professionals at both the Fire Department and the executive leadership at the City.”