March 16, 2025 – Decatur City Manager Tim Gleason has announced Neil Elder as the next Chief of the Decatur Fire Department.
Elder has been with DFD for 20 years and previously served as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He succeeds Jeff Abbott who retires after 10 years leading the department.
“I am excited to promote Neil and am confident he will provide exceptional leadership as Fire Chief,” said Gleason. “The Decatur Fire Department is one of the best in Illinois and I know that will continue under Chief Elder.”
Elder began his career at DFD in September 2004. He was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 2010, to Fire Captain in 2018, then to Battalion Chief in 2020, before his most recent position as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations since September 2024. He officially starts as Fire Chief on March 16, 2025.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be selected as the Fire Chief for the City of Decatur,” said Elder. “This is a role I embrace with the utmost responsibility and commitment. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team of fire professionals to continue delivering the exceptional service that the citizens of Decatur deserve.”
