CENTRALIA — Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Greg Earle was named this week as the new President of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

Former President Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis of Naperville presented Earle with the president’s gavel at an induction ceremony this week during the 69th Annual IFCA Conference Banquet.

The IFCA, established in 1951 and has a long and rich history of supporting the fire service leaders in Illinois.

The association provides a forum in which fire department chiefs throughout the state may discuss matters of mutual interest and continue efforts to improve fire service and more effective fire prevention and suppression through educational, legislative and technical means. Membership includes nearly 1,400 fire chief officers from around the state of Illinois who represent over 1,100 Illinois fire departments.