DeKalb Swears In Luke Howieson as Fire Chief

DEKALB — Luke Howieson has been sworn in as DeKalb’s 21st Fire Chief, following his service as acting chief since July 2025. Howieson guided the department’s 2026 budget, reviewed fireground operations, and served on city and regional fire committees. He began his fire service career in 1995, joined the DeKalb Fire Department in 2001, and advanced through every rank. Howieson was sworn in by the city clerk and pinned by his son, and he stepped down from his role as vice president of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois to assume the position permanently.