Instructor Bio | Chief Hoff started his career in the Fire Service as a Cadet with the Evergreen Park Illinois Fire Department in 1972. In 1976, he was hired as an EMT with the Chicago Fire Department and in 1977 he entered the Chicago Fire Academy as an FF/EMT. Bob served on some of Chicago’s busiest fire companies throughout his career.

He worked in the Bureau of Operations as an FF/EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief before being assigned as the Director of Training for the CFD. His next assignment was as the 1st District Chief in Chicago’s downtown high-rise district. He went on to become the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Operations, 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner and Fire Commissioner. He retired from the CFD in 2012 after 35 ½ years of service. Bob then went on to serve as the Deputy Chief and Chief of the Carol Stream Illinois Fire District until his retirement on January 1, 2020.

Chief Hoff is a current Field Staff Instructor for the State of Illinois Fire Academy at the University of Illinois-Champaign, IL (32 years). Has instructed the following courses: Fire Officers Strategy and Tactics 1&2, Company Officer Leadership, Fireground Company Officer and Command School, Rapid Intervention Team Training, “RIT Under Fire” team training; Structural Collapse Operations and Technician; Engine Co., Truck Co., Squad Co., and Snorkel Co. operations; Forcible Entry; Auto Extrication; Smoke Divers; F.A.S.T. School, High Rise firefighting tactics for large and small departments; High Rise Incident Command for large and small departments; High Rise building systems; Chief Officer Fireground Command Positions course. Bob has instructed many of these classes in Illinois and throughout the country.