From the McHenry Fire Protection District:
MTFPD Fire Chief Transition
After a 43-year career in the fire service, including 16 years with the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, Fire Chief Horist will retire effective Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Chief Horist began his career as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Hanover Park Fire Department (1983–1986), then served 24 years with the Elgin Fire Department, where he advanced to Assistant Chief of Operations.
In 2010, he joined McHenry Township as Deputy Chief and was appointed Fire Chief on January 8, 2021.
During his tenure as Chief, he led the District with professionalism and dedication, focusing on service, operational excellence, and support for personnel and the community.
Chief Horist is known for his strong work ethic and commitment to being a consistent presence and leader within the organization.
“To have been the Fire Chief of the McHenry Township Fire Protection District has been the pinnacle of my career. The men and women of this department are simply outstanding, and I am very confident in how they will lead our department in the future,” said Chief Horist.
Chief Horist holds a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University, is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program, and is a Credentialed Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Chief Horist has also contributed extensively to fire service education, teaching at the Fire Department Instructors Conference and throughout Illinois, and has been active in organizations including the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, McHenry County Fire Chiefs Association, the Shield 23 Foundation, and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
A strong advocate for firefighter health initiatives, particularly in the area of firefighter cancer prevention, he plans to continue this work in retirement.
In 2023, Chief Horist was named the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year in recognition of his leadership and service.
Chief Horist and his wife Helga have two adult children and two grandchildren and plan to remain in the community in retirement, where they look forward to spending time with family and traveling.
On June 18, 2026, the McHenry Township Fire Protection District will promote Deputy Chief Steven Spraker as its ninth Fire Chief.
Deputy Chief Spraker brings 27 years of fire service experience to the position.
He joined the McHenry Township Fire Protection District in 2015 as Deputy Chief of Operations and later became Deputy Chief of Administration in 2021.
Prior to joining the District, Deputy Chief Spraker served with the Kankakee Township Fire Protection District, where he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief, and later served as a Lieutenant with the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District.
In addition to his leadership roles within the District, Chief Spraker serves on the McHenry County Emergency Telephone System Board and as Chairman of the Lake & McHenry Specialized Response Teams.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from Governors State University and is a certified Chief Fire Officer.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District congratulates Chief Steve Spraker and looks forward to his leadership as the organization continues its mission of protecting and serving the community.
Deputy Chief Spraker and his wife, Vicki, live in Ringwood with their three children.
He looks forward to leading the District and continuing its commitment to serving and protecting the community.
