Skokie will be getting a new fire chief on Aug. 1 after Chief Jeff Hoeflich retires, concluding nearly four decades of what the village called “exemplary” service, according to a news release from the village.
Deputy Chief Nicholas Eschner, who joined the Skokie Fire Department in 2008 as a firefighter and rose through the ranks to become deputy chief in 2020, will become the next chief, Village Manager John Lockerby announced.
Eschner, a 17-year veteran of the Skokie Fire Department, oversees emergency response operations and professional development.
Nicholas Eschner began his career with the Skokie Fire Department in 2008 as a firefighter, rising through the ranks to become deputy chief in 2020, according to the news release. He has overseen the Training Division, Support Services, Fire Prevention Bureau, Fleet Services, Logistics and Buildings & Grounds operations.
Eschner secured $1.75 million in federal grants for the fire department, including FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and SAFER grants. They helped fund equipment upgrades and funded three firefighter positions for three years.
“Nick has shown a deep commitment to innovation, training and teamwork throughout his career,” Lockerby said.
Hoeflich joined the Skokie Fire Department in January 1986 and became fire chief in November 2018.
Under his leadership, the department established the Skokie Fire Explorers program in 2023, giving local youth a close-up look at fire service careers.
Hoeflich was an original member and deputy director of the MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, which allows neighboring fire departments to assist each other in emergencies) Division 3 Technical Rescue Team, according to the village.
He has also served as an instructor at the Northeast Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) and currently sits on the NIPSTA Board of Directors and Fire/EMS Committee.
“Skokie is extremely fortunate to have benefitted from Jeff’s outstanding leadership throughout his extended fire service career, establishing the Skokie Fire Department as one of the best in the nation,” Lockerby said.