COMMUNICATOR
January 15, 2026

Knights in the News | December 2025

Michael McGlothlin
Michael McGlothlin was recently hired as the new Palm Coast (Florida) city manager. He was selected from a pool of six candidates and will begin his new role Dec. 17, 2025. McGlothlin is a Florida native and has a background in law enforcement and city management. He formerly served as town administrator in Redington Shores, Florida, and police chief in Columbia City, Oregon. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and an MBA from CSU.

David Gray
The city of Gatlinburg announced David Gray as the new fire chief starting Jan. 3, 2026. He is currently the assistant fire chief and paramedic for the Knoxville Fire Department and has experience managing emergency medical services, training programs, logistics and public safety initiatives. He received a master’s degree in fire executive leadership from CSU.

Kevin McMahill
Kevin McMahill is seeking re-election for a second term as Clark County sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He joined the department in 1990 and was first elected as sheriff in 2022. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from CSU.

Amanda Deen
Amanda Deen has been featured in Influential Women magazine as a trailblazer in health, safety and environmental (HSE) management. She has made extensive contributions to the maritime and industrial sectors and currently serves as HSE manager for SSA Marine, overseeing Port Canaveral and Port Tampa cruise operations. Deen is currently pursuing a doctorate in occupational safety and health at CSU.

Mickey Yentes
The Metro Nashville Police Department has announced the promotion of Mickey Yentes to lieutenant. He is a 22-year police department veteran and will lead the East Precinct’s day shift in his new role. Yentes earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Raymond Hill
Raymond Hill has been appointed to interim fire chief with the Fort Worth Fire Department. He has been with the department for 31 years and has moved up in rank, becoming assistant chief in 2018. He received an associate degree in fire science from CSU.

Brent Burton
Marquis Who’s Who recently presented Brent Burton with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. He has served in multiple roles with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, including firefighter, paramedic, training officer, recruitment officer and Community Emergency Response Team instructor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from CSU.

Damon Williams
Fayetteville State University has selected Damon Williams to police chief. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role in both municipal and university law enforcement and will oversee campus police and safety operations, coordinate emergency response planning and further advance the university’s dedication to creating a secure and welcoming environment. He holds an MBA with a focus in public administration from CSU.

Michael Salvador
The city of Parlier (California) has selected Michael Salvador as the new interim police chief. He has 37 years of experience in law enforcement and formerly served as police chief with the city of Atwater for nearly six years before his retirement in December 2024. He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Brent Wilson
The city of Clarksville (Indiana) has appointed Brent Wilson to fire chief. He has been with the department since 2001 and has previously served as sergeant, deputy fire chief, and most recently, fire marshal. Wilson has received numerous awards including Firefighter of the Year, Recognition of Dedication and Achievement in Fire Investigation, and a Statement of Endorsement for Fire Chief from IAFF Local 2594. He received an associate degree in fire science from CSU.

Phillip Lathrop
Phillip Lathrop has been promoted to assistant fire chief with the Henrico County (Virginia) Division of Fire. He is assigned to the Community Risk Reduction Division, where he will support community protection and planning. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science from CSU.

Tom Vacca
Deputy Fire Chief Tom Vacca has announced his retirement from the Pittsburg (Kansas) Fire Department. He began his career with the Pittsburg Police Department, working there for six years before making a career change to the fire department, where he stayed for 22 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.

Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

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