Carbondale appoints new fire chief

Carbondale City Manager Stan Reno has appointed Jay Crippen as the city's new fire chief, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

Crippen brings more than 27 years of fire service experience, including 24 years with the Carbondale Fire Department. A lifelong Carbondale resident, Crippen is a graduate of SIU Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

Reno expressed confidence in the appointment, citing Crippen’s demonstrated leadership, institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to public safety in Carbondale.