Captain Matt Grizely retired from the Evanston Fire Department on Tuesday, Aug. 18, closing a 34-year career that touched nearly every corner of the department's operations.

Grizely served as captain for more than 18 years, including a decade as acting battalion chief, according to the department's retirement announcement reported by Patch. He spent 30 of his 34 years as Detail Coordinator, a role responsible for staffing outside organizations with professional firefighters and paramedics when they made requests to the city.

He also led work in the Fire Prevention Bureau on building inspections, public education and public relations. For years he trained paramedics headed into what the department called a busy community. The Evanston Fire Department fields roughly 36 calls a day across five stations covering just over eight square miles.

Grizely additionally served as EMS Coordinator, chaired the Recognition and Uniform Committee and worked as the department's Quartermaster. He was involved with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Honor Guard and the EMS System Advisory Board.

Interim Fire Chief Matt Smith, in the department's announcement, praised Grizely's breadth of contributions, saying his work will have positive lasting effects on the Evanston Fire Department.

Fourth major departure in under a year

Grizely's exit extends a wave of senior retirements that has reshaped the department's leadership since late 2025. Deputy Chief William "Bill" Muno retired in November 2025 after 39 years. Fire Chief Paul Polep left May 21 after roughly 30 years, prompting City Manager Luke Stowe to appoint Deputy Chief Matt Smith as interim leader. Captain Tom Howard, a 26-year veteran and technical rescue specialist, retired July 8.

The four departures represent well over a combined century of institutional knowledge. The department holds an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible from the Insurance Services Office, a distinction that Muno's work helped earn, according to the Chicago Tribune.

No successor or replacement plan for Grizely's multiple roles has been announced. The city's search for a permanent fire chief to replace Polep also remains open.