Longtime firefighter Jay Crippen appointed Carbondale Fire Chief

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — City of Carbondale City Manager Stan Reno has appointed Jay Crippen as the city’s new fire chief, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

Crippen brings more than 27 years of fire service experience to the role, including 24 years with the Carbondale Fire Department. A lifelong Carbondale resident, he is a graduate of Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

During his career with the Carbondale Fire Department, Crippen has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles, including firefighter, shift captain, training officer, emergency management coordinator, arson investigator and assistant fire chief.

Reno said Crippen’s leadership experience, institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to public safety made him a strong choice to lead the department.

City officials congratulated Crippen on his appointment and said they look forward to his continued service and leadership.