I am a Deputy Chief with the Siloam Springs, AR Fire Department. My primary responsibility is the departmental training program. My other responsibilities include coordinating the efforts of our local hazmat team and our hiring process.
I retired in January, 2017 from the Clinton Township Department of Fire Rescue EMS at the rank of Battalion Chief. My experience includes serving as a paramedic, fire instructor, company officer, and shift commander. I also served as the Team Leader of the Macomb County Hazardous Materials Team, which included members from 9 departments.
Prior to becoming a firefighter, I enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, serving as a combat engineer through the the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. I transferred to Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), and over the next five years, I built and equipped an ARFF unit from scratch. We were mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served in North Carolina. After promotion to Master Gunnery Sergeant in 2008 I deployed to Iraq, where I conducted an evaluation of the Iraqi Fire Service on behalf of military civil affairs and the US State Department. After my return from Iraq, I served as an Operations Chief and provided input to ARFF policies and equipment until retiring in 2013.
My military and fire service careers provided me with a wealth of experience and education in leadership and administration. I lead by example, am physically fit, and passionate about mentoring and succession planning. A lifelong learner, I recently completed a master’s degree and regularly attend seminars and training. I was privileged to be a member of the 2016 Fire Service Executive Development Institute sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our progressive and innovative Fire & EMS department in Siloam Springs.