The Lockport Township Fire Protection District’s John O’Connor has been named Fire Chief of the Year by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

O’Conner was awarded the honor for fire districts or departments with populations over 25,000. LTFPD serves a population of more than 85,000 residents over 46 square miles from six fire stations in Lockport, Crest Hill and Romeoville.

“Chief O’Connor exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding fire chief and demonstrates impressive leadership skills. He has worked very hard throughout his career and is very deserving of this prestigious honor,” the IFCA said in a news release announcing the award.

O’Connor was nominated by Lockport Deputy Fire Chief William Blaskey, according to the release. O’Connor is among 37 other fire chiefs who have received this award since 2001.

Applicants are selected based on public education and life safety advancements, innovative and entrepreneurial efforts, education and credential portfolio, and public-private sector contributions, according to the IFCA.

The LTFPD is preparing to build a new fire training center on Division Street in Crest Hill after receiving approval from the city earlier this year.

[ Shaw Local Podcast: John O’Connor, Lockport Township Fire District chief talks about the new training facility ]

O’Connor began with the LTFPD in 1998 and was promoted to chief in 2019.

He currently serves as president of the Will County Fire Chiefs Association and as vice president of Lockport Love, a charitable organization that focuses on families in need.

O’Connor has obtained his master’s degree in public safety administration from Lewis University, plus numerous certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, according to the release.

He will be presented with the award at the installation dinner during the Illinois Fire Chiefs Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Peoria.

Fire chiefs from the more than 1,000 recognized fire departments in Illinois are eligible for Fire Chief of the Year nomination, according to the IFCA.

“Every year, the IFCA receives several applications for the Fire Chief of the Year Award. All the nominees are quite deserving, and the committee has a very difficult decision in choosing the recipients,” Chief Tom Styczynski, chairman of the Fire Chief of the Year Committee, said in an announcement. “It is important and appropriate to recognize chiefs who represent a small piece of the great work accomplished by fire chiefs throughout Illinois.”