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Rock Island fire chief will retire
By Linda Cook,
7 hours ago
After 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Rock Island, Fire Chief Bob Graff has announced his retirement from the Rock Island Fire Department, effective Friday, Oct. 2, according to a news release.
He was appointed fire chief on Jan. 9, 2023.
Graff was hired as a firefighter in 1997. He was promoted to lieutenant/EMS coordinator in 2005, advanced to captain/special operations in 2007 and promoted to battalion chief in 2010. He was named assistant fire chief in 2016 and served in that role until his appointment to fire chief in 2023.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the City of Rock Island and work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Rock Island Fire Department,” Graff said. “Over the past 29 years, I’m proud to have helped this department advance through improved training, technology and efficiencies that better serve our community. I’m equally proud of the department’s unwavering commitment to our mission of saving lives and protecting property. I am grateful for the support of my family, my colleagues and the residents of Rock Island, and I will always be proud to have worn this uniform.”
Graff earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration in 2009 and a master of business administration degree in 2012 from Western Illinois University.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Graff has demonstrated his commitment to protecting the residents of Rock Island, supporting his fellow firefighters and leading the
department with professionalism, integrity and dedication,” said Mayor Ashley Harris. “His
retirement marks the conclusion of nearly three decades of service to the Rock Island community. His leadership, dedication and commitment to public safety have left a lasting
impact on the department and the city he proudly served.”
To ensure a smooth transition, City Manager Todd Thompson will appoint an interim chief
while the city conducts a search for Graff’s replacement.
“I’d like to thank Chief Graff for his years of service, leadership and commitment to the
Rock Island community,” Thompson said. “He will be missed, and I wish him and his
family the very best in a well-deserved retirement."
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