Peoria, IL, USA 104.9 The Wolf (Peoria FIre Dept.) Ardis’ last day on the job will be May 14, according to a news release. Ardis joined the fire department in 1994 and served as the assistant chief and division chief of operations before becoming chief in 2019. âChief Ardis has been a passionate leader of the Peoria Fire Department, and his concern for the well-being of the citizens and the employees of the Fire Department is second to none. I wish him all the best in retirement,” said Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich. Assistant Fire Chief James Bachman, who has also been with the department since 1994, will replace Ardis as chief.