Steven Doggett appointed Urbana Fire Chief

Veteran firefighter and union leader to guide department through 2027.

Portrait of a man in a dark suit and tie, wearing gold lapel pins and a badge, smiling at the camera.

Chambana TodayHe also serves as a Field Staff Instructor with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and previously directed the Illinois State Fire Academy Program.

URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Steven Doggett was officially appointed Fire Chief for the Urbana Fire Department during the regular Urbana City Council meeting Monday, May 11, following a recommendation by DeShawn Williams. His term will run through June 30, 2027.

Williams said. “I’m grateful for Steve’s leadership and the thoughtful, graceful way he has navigated change throughout his career.”

Doggett has served with the Urbana Fire Department for 19 years, holding roles including arson investigator, budget reviewer, and president of IAFF Local 1147 for seven years. He also serves as a Field Staff Instructor with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute and previously directed the Illinois State Fire Academy Program.

Before joining the department, Doggett worked as a police officer in Westville and as a firefighter at the New Port Chemical Depot in Indiana.

Doggett earned a bachelor’s degree in fire service management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in public administration from University of Illinois Springfield. He and his wife, Shanna, have been married for 23 years and have three children.