COMMUNICATOR
February 14, 2026

Knights in the News | January 2026

Kassandra (Kassie) Damcott
Kassie Damcott was recently awarded the inaugural Young Professionals Award by the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry. She has built a career as an administrative assistant with the City of Warren, Pennsylvania, since 2017. Her current role focuses on funding exploration, grant writing and community outreach. She currently serves as treasurer of the Warren County Youth Football League, president of the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center, and serves on the board with the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center. She is a 2025 CSU graduate.

Brian Redman
The McFarland (Wisconsin) Police Department has appointed Brian Redman to police chief. He has served as interim chief since October 2024. He previously served as a lieutenant and has led various initiatives within the department. Redman holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.

Christopher Wysong
Christopher Wysong is retiring from the Ohio Army National Guard after 25 years of service. As a first sergeant, he has been on numerous deployments throughout his career and has also been recognized with four Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, two Overseas Service Ribbons, three Overseas Training Ribbons, the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal and the Ohio Commendation Medal. He earned a master’s degree in fire executive leadership from CSU.

Jacob Tapley
The city of Magnolia (Arkansas) has appointed Jacob Tapley to fire chief. He has served in both volunteer and municipal fire departments, including Greenbrier Fire Department, Waldo Fire Department and Magnolia Fire Department. Tapley has earned numerous certifications in vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response and fire instruction. He received a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.

Alex Harrington
The Belleview (Florida) Police Department (BPD) has promoted Alex Harrington to sergeant. He began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections assistant, becoming a corrections officer in 2010. He entered law enforcement in 2012 and joined the BPD in 2013, earning the Officer of the Year Award in 2025. Harrington holds an associate degree in business from CSU.

Jared Green
Jared Green has been included in Marquis Who’s Who for excellence in oil and gas. He has a distinguished career in business leadership and community engagement with more than 15 years of experience in safety management and operational oversight in the energy field. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in international management from CSU.

Ryan Hennessy
Ryan Hennessy is among the list of recipients of the National Safety Council’s Rising Stars of Safety Award. The award recognizes young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to safety in their respected organizations. Hennessy is an occupational safety non-commissioned officer in charge with the U.S Air Force and was selected for an Armed Forces Network radio initiative, educating 55,000 international community members on a Department of Air Force summer safety campaign. His efforts improved community relationships and contributed to a 53% reduction in incidents across 11 bases. He holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health from CSU.

Laura Miller
Laura Miller has been elected to serve on the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Miller has built an impressive career in health, safety and environmental leadership, bringing more than 30 years of experience across numerous industries, including heavy manufacturing, construction, electric distribution and coal tar refining. She received a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from CSU.

Lance Sutton
The town of Nolensville (Tennessee) has selected Lance Sutton as its new fire marshal. He has more than 24 years of experience in emergency operations, fire investigation and life safety management. Prior to his new role, Sutton has served in various positions with Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue, including fire captain, fire inspector, engineer and firefighter. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.

Ricky Boyd
The Waxahachie (Texas) City Council has appointed Ricky Boyd to city manager. His career spans over four decades in public service, including firefighter, assistant fire chief, fire chief and most recently, interim city manager. He holds certifications in municipal leadership, head of department, suppression & prevention, master firefighter and incident commander & incident safety officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science from CSU.

Jason Deitch
Jason Deitch has been appointed to the fire chief position with the Rolesville (North Carolia) Fire Department (RFD). He began his career as a junior volunteer firefighter with the Durham Highway Fire Department in 1998 and became a full-time firefighter in 2003. He held the position of assistant fire chief with Garner-Fire Rescue before joining RFD. He received a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.

Carrie Edwards-Clemons
Carrie Edwards-Clemons has been appointed to fire chief with the Lansing (Michigan) Fire Department. She previously held the interim fire chief position before being permanently selected for the role. She has 25 years of experience in public and private leadership with an extensive background in leading emergency response teams. She holds an MBA with a concentration in public 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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