Aurora names Hurd new fire dept. chief

Illinois transplant brings myriad credentials to operation
 
The city of Aurora has announced that Gregory Hurd has been selected to serve the Aurora community as the next fire chief for the City of Aurora Fire Department. Hurd was selected from a group of five well qualified candidates and brings 37 years of fire service and fire investigation experience to the position.
Hurd has served 16 years as an Assistant Fire Chief of the Chillicothe Fire Protection District in Chillicothe, Ill. Hurd also brings strong professional credentials such as Fire Officer Training, national fire and explosive investigator certification through the national Association of Fire Investigation and International Association of Arson Investigation, fireworks/pyrotechnics inspections, HAZMAT operations, and other ancillary certifications.
“The Aurora community has had the benefit of stable leadership in the fire department for the last 30 years," Aurora City Manager Jon Holmes said. "We have greatly appreciated the leadership that Chief Ward provided during that time, but Chief Ward would be the first to say that there is always opportunity to improve, and I am confident that Mr. Hurd will be a great addition to the amazing people that we have working and volunteering for the City of Aurora and the Aurora Fire Department.”
Mayor Jason Lewis stated that he is “confident that Chief Hurd is a wonderful match for the city of Aurora. He brings an excellent level of experience and professionalism that meets the standards that we have come to expect from our Fire Department, I look forward to working with Chief Hurd as he becomes a part of our community.”
Hurd said that he is looking forward to the challenges associated with this new position.
“I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to lead Aurora Fire Department and look forward to the challenges and opportunities to serve the Aurora Community,” Hurd said.
Hurd begins his duties with the Aurora Fire Department on July 1, 2022.