CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — After more than two decades of service to the Champaign Fire Department, Tyler Funk has been appointed the city’s next Fire Chief, effective November 19, 2025.
City Manager Joan Walls announced Funk’s appointment Tuesday, praising his leadership and long-standing dedication to the community. Funk has served as Interim Fire Chief since July and previously spent 26 years with the department before retiring as Deputy Fire Chief in 2023.
“Chief Funk is the right leader at the right time,” Walls said. “He’s respected across the state and deeply committed to Champaign’s residents and firefighters.”
Funk called the appointment an honor and said he’s proud to return to a department known for its excellence and professionalism.
Funk’s career began in 1997 with the Champaign Fire Department after serving as a Department of Defense firefighter at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Fire Marshal and Acting Fire Chief during the city’s COVID-19 emergency response.