South Portland to Swear in New Fire Chief
Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wilson will be sworn into his new role with the South Portland Fire Department. A third-generation firefighter, Wilson has served with this department for 20 years. Among his many licenses and certifications, he has earned the titles of chief officer, fire service instructor, forest firefighter, master merchant mariner and open water diver. Wilson is currently pursuing his master’s degree in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University.
Fire Chief Appointed to Auburn, Maine, Fire Department
Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Low has been appointed as fire chief for the Auburn Fire Department. Low joined the department in 1994 as a paramedic and throughout the years has earned titles including assistant chief of EMS services, acting fire chief and deputy fire chief. Low is working toward completing the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. Additionally, he earned his MBA with a concentration in public administration from Columbia Southern University.
Tukwila, Washington, Announces Fire Chief Finalists
Next week, the Tukwila City Council will host a reception where the community is invited to come out and meet the six candidates pursuing the coveted role of fire chief. Two of the finalists have ties to Columbia Southern University. Jay Wittwer, battalion chief of the North Las Vegas Fire Department, earned his bachelor’s in fire science administration as well as a master’s degree in public administration from CSU. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Officer Program. Mark John, fire chief of the Baker City Fire Department in Oregon, is currently pursuing his bachelor’s in fire science administration from CSU. John has nearly three decades of fire service, beginning with his role as a paramedic and working his way up to battalion chief.
Third-Generation Firefighter Follows his Instincts in Bridgeport, West Virginia
Ben Tacy, a firefighter and paramedic for the Bridgeport Fire Department, was recently featured in The Bridgeport News in an ongoing series about public safety employees. Both his father and grandfather were firefighters and Tacy describes his work as his “heart and soul.” When he is not fighting fires, Tacy serves as the program coordinator for the Pierpont Community and Technical College EMS Department. Tacy earned his B.S. in fire science administration from Columbia Southern University in 2009.
