Kankakee Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche Announces Retirement After 24 Years of Service (Kankakee, IL) – Kankakee Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche has announced he will retire this fall after more than two decades of service with the City of Kankakee, concluding a tenure marked by department growth, modernization efforts and workforce development initiatives.
LaRoche said his last day with the city will be Sept. 7, 2026.
“After 24 years of service to this great City, I leave with mixed emotions, but have decided to retire from my position as Fire Chief of the Kankakee Fire Department,” LaRoche said. “Serving this department and our community has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
He added that he is grateful for his time with the city and the relationships built during his career. “As I prepare for this next chapter, I leave with many great experiences, lasting friendships, and memories that I will always cherish,” he said.
Mayor Chris Curtis praised LaRoche’s leadership and contributions, noting his long-term impact on the department and city administration.
“While I’m saddened to hear Chief LaRoche will be retiring, I couldn’t be more proud of the Chief and what he has accomplished for the City of Kankakee,” Curtis said. “He has helped shape the future of the Kankakee Fire Department and has been a trusted leader and key part of my administration team.”
During his tenure, LaRoche oversaw an increase in the department’s sworn firefighter staffing from 47 to 51 positions and led efforts to modernize equipment and fleet operations. Key upgrades included the purchase of a new ambulance in 2022, a new pumper engine in 2026 and the anticipated delivery of a new aerial ladder truck later this year.
LaRoche also implemented an internship program aimed at recruiting and training future fire and EMS personnel, which city officials described as an effort to strengthen long-term staffing pipelines.
The City of Kankakee said it will develop a transition plan over the coming weeks to ensure continuity of operations within the fire department. LaRoche has committed to working with city leadership during a 95-day transition period to support a smooth leadership change.
Kankakee Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche Announces Retirement After 24 Years of Service
