Newport chief honored

Newport Fire Protection District Chief Mark Kirschhoffer was named Illinois Fire Chief of the Year in the part-time category by the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association. Kirschhoffer, who has led the Newport Fire Protection District for 19 years, beat out nine other part-time fire chief nominees for the top award. He is expected to receive the award at a special presentation May 5 in Peoria. Kirschhoffer is the inaugural candidate in the part-time category, created to honor part-time chiefs who oversee a full-time staff. The Newport department serves parts of Old Mill Creek, Beach Park, Wadsworth and unincorporated Lake County.