Jude the new chief at Braidwood Fire Protection District

The Braidwood Fire Protection District has a new chief.
On June 30, the Board of Trustees held a promotional ceremony for six members of the department.
Assistant Chief Christopher Jude has been promoted to Fire Chief, replacing Chief Barry Eggers who retired on June 1.

Chief Jude began his career in 1990 after obtaining his EMT Certification and has since received numerous certifications in the Fire Service. He was hired by Braidwood Fire Department as a paid-on-call/part-time firefighter in 2012.

Chief Jude has recently received the Chief Fire Officer Certification, which is the highest level of certification issued by the Office of State Fire Marshal.

In addition to the new chief’s promotion, five other members of the department have now moved up in the ranks.

Captain Mike Pemble has been promoted to Deputy Chief.

Deputy Chief Pemble joined the Braidwood Fire Department as a cadet in 2005. Since then, has served as a part-time and paid-on-call member and has attained numerous certifications in the Fire Service, including the Chief Fire Officer Certification.

Deputy Chief Pemble operates the Fire District’s IT Department and is in charge of the Fire Prevention Program. He will be working with Chief Jude in daily operations and personnel, in addition to continuing with his previous responsibilities at Braidwood Fire Protection District.

Lieutenant Michael Tenerelli has been promoted to Captain.

Captain Tenerelli was hired by the Braidwood Fire Department in 2008 as a part-time and paid-on-call member. He holds many certifications in Technical Rescue and Water Rescue, in addition, he is a Certified Fire Inspector. Captain Tenerelli will serve as our Water Rescue Team Leader, he will also manage the maintenance and purchase of SCBAs and tools.

Engineer Felicia Ehringer has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Ehringer was hired by the Fire Department in 2013 and has served as a part-time and paid-on-call member throughout that time. She is a Certified Fire Apparatus Engineer, Paramedic and she has received her Company Fire Officer Certification. Lieutenant Ehringer is part of the EMS Department, assisting the EMS Coordinator and the EMS Educator with administrative responsibilities.

Engineer Dylan Williams has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Williams was hired by the Fire Department in 2014 and has served as a part-time and paid-on-call member through out that time. He is a Certified Fire Apparatus Engineer and Paramedic. He is the Coordinator of the American Heart Association CPR Program and is also responsible for our Pre-Plan Program. Lieutenant Williams also does quality control of incident reporting for all emergency responses within the Braidwood Fire Protection District.

Engineer Steven Tatroe has been promoted to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Tatroe was hired by the Fire Department in 2015 and has been an active member since. He is a Certified Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Instructor and is also a Paramedic. Lieutenant Tatroe is the Quartermaster for the Braidwood Fire District, responsible for purchase, issuance, and maintenance of Personnel Protective Equipment and Uniforms. Lieutenant Tatroe will assist Chief Jude with the building and grounds maintenance of the Braidwood Fire Station.

All the newly promoted officers are firefighters and paramedics.