CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. — There was a significant announcement made in the Metro East on Thursday. 

THe city of Cahokia Heights is reorganizing its public safety division.

“In this term, public safety, whether it’s police or fire, will be my number one priority,” said Cahokia Heights mayor Curtis Mccall Sr.

Twenty-four hours before Mccall begins his second term in office, he announces a new police chief and the historic consolidation of four fire departments.

“Consolidation of the city was a great thing. I’m hoping and i believe under the direction of these men behind me, that the consolidation of the Fire Department will be, too,” he said.

The new department will operate under a memorandum of understanding until March 2026, when voters in the different fire districts will decide if the consolidation should be permanent. Stephen Robbins will lead the new department as chief.       

Robbins says his team has already met with the Illinois State Fire Marshal to better address the prevalence of vacant structure fires in the community.

Thomas Trice will serve as the new Cahokia Heights police chief. 

Trice says the department is looking to potentially hire as many as 15 new officers.

“We must treat every citizen, whether they’re part of this community or coming through this community, with dignity. Even when they commit violent crimes. That will be the principal backbone of the Cahokia Heights department going forward,” Trice said.