EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The East Peoria Fire Department made three promotions official on Monday, one of which was a first.
Veronica Marmitt was the first woman promoted to assistant chief in the department’s history. Also promoted were Brad Reinhart and Sam Sauder to lieutenant.
Marmitt is an 18-year veteran of the department. She says she did not come into the job with a firefighting background, but joined at the urging of a friend.
She reacts to the promotion moments after the ceremony.
“Well it’s only been like five minutes. So I can’t really reflect on it, but I’m excited to see what happens,” Marmitt said.
East Peoria Fire Chief Bobby Zimmerman reflects on the significance of Marmitt’s promotion.
“It’s a great breakthrough. It shows that anybody can do anything they want,” Zimmerman said.
During the ceremony, Zimmerman spoke about all three promoted today were proven leaders within the department.
The three promotions happened due to the retirement of assistant chief Dan Decker after 26 years with the fire department.
