Editor’s Note: The accompanying video was released prior to the City Council’s decision to appoint Tal Prendergast as the interim fire chief.

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana City Council has selected a seasoned member of the Urbana Fire Department, with 17 years of service, to step into the role of interim chief. This decision was made during their meeting on Monday night.

Tal Prendergast will take on the responsibilities of interim fire chief, with his term slated to conclude by June 5, 2026, at the latest, as outlined in city documentation.

Before his new appointment, Prendergast served as the deputy chief since October last year. He also contributes to the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he acts as a Program Director and oversees the Firefighting Program Administration.