Leadership

Derek Bergsten

Derek Bergsten was sworn in as the tenth Chief of the Rockford Fire Department on November 14th, 2008. Chief Bergsten holds an Associates of Science and an Associates of Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Organizational Development from Western University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. In addition to many specialized fire certifications, he possesses the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) designations from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. He is also a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE). Chief Bergsten serves as a board member of the Rock River Valley Food Pantry and as a volunteer at the YMCA and Rockford Public Schools.

Email Chief Bergsten: Derek.Bergsten@rockfordil.gov

Joe Corl

Joe Corl is the Division Chief of Operations. He was appointed Division Chief on May 1st, 2010. He has been a member of the Fire Service for 28 years and a certified paramedic for 25 years. He is responsible for emergency operations and day to day operations for 260 uniformed firefighters. In this role Chief Corl is the Rockford Emergency Manager, which includes coordinating emergency disaster response and preparedness with the City of Rockford and Winnebago County. Chief Corl has an Associates degree in Fire Science from Rock Valley College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University. He also holds certification for Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM) and has completed the Professional Development Series from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Email Chief Corl:

Joe.Corl@rockfordil.gov

Matthew Knott

Matthew Knott is the Division Chief of Administration and Fire Prevention. He was appointed Division Chief on April 18th, 2009. He is responsible for planning, budgeting, and administrative functions for the Department. He is also responsible for Fire Investigations, code enforcement, and all community risk reductions efforts. Chief Knott has a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and a Master’s Degree in Safety from Northern Illinois University. He is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) by the International Association of Emergency Managers and an Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM). He also holds designations as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO), and Fire Marshal (FM) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He is also a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE). He holds numerous fire service and law enforcement related certifications in special operations and incident management.

Email Chief Knott:

Matt.Knott@rockfordil.gov

Brian Drerup

Brian Drerup is the Division Chief of Training. He was appointed Division Chief on June 2nd, 2015. He is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and supervising the Department’s fire service training program, emergency medical program, and recruiting programs. Chief Drerup has an A.A.S Degree in Industrial Engineering and an A.A.S Degree in Machine Design Technology from Rock Valley College.

Email Chief Drerup:

Brian.Drerup@rockfordil.gov