DECATUR - Matt Sekosky knew he wanted to be a firefighter before he graduated from high school.

He worked at Decatur Fire Department over the past 24 years hoping for a chance to one day serve as chief.

That opportunity was granted Thursday when City Manager Steve Garman named Sekosky to the position.

"This has been a lifelong dream of mine," Sekosky said.

Sekosky, 48, replaces Les Albert, who retired in October after more than 29 years with the department.

Albert accepted a three-fourths time job with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute as an instructor and a coordinator for training fire departments in portions of Central and Southern Illinois.

Deputy Chief Mark Hansen served as acting fire chief in recent weeks and will resume duties as deputy chief.

Sekosky begins his new duties Monday.

Garman said the city conducted a local and national search and Sekosky emerged as the best pick from an excellent group of candidates.

Garman noted Sekosky's long tenure with the department, which has included service as firefighter, battalion chief and fire marshal.

Sekosky serves as a board member for Community Home Environmental Learning Project (CHELP), as a committee member for Safe Kids of Macon County, and as a parent advocate for children with special needs.

"In addition to his excellent credentials, he's also very much involved in the community," Garman said.

Sekosky was grateful for the appointment.

"Fire service is rich in heritage and tradition and the Decatur Fire Department is no exception," Sekosky said. "It is an honor and a privilege for me to attain this rank, and I'll be forever grateful."

Sekosky thanked God, his friends and especially his family for "enduring the journey it has taken to prepare me for this day."

Family members and close friends erupted in applause as Sekosky's wife, Sharon, pinned his new badge on his uniform during a brief news conference at the Decatur Civic Center.

Flanking Sekosky were his children Kylee, 13, and Jarrett, 11; grown children Jeremy and Kristen, and three grandchildren.

Mayor Paul Osborne said he looks forward to a long and great relationship with Sekosky as fire chief.

"You're a shining example of what this city is all about," Osborne told Sekosky.

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier@;herald-review.com or 421-7985.