Christopher Blanton
The Huntington (West Virginia) Fire Department has appointed Christopher Blanton to the role of fire chief. He has dedicated nearly two decades to the fire service and has risen through the ranks, serving as lieutenant, captain and deputy fire chief of administration. He has led numerous initiatives focused on improving firefighter safety, operational readiness, fiscal responsibility and long-term strategic planning. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.
Oliver Emerson
Oliver Emerson has been appointed to serve on the California Physician Assistant Board. Emerson has been chief development officer at Oliver Emerson Development LLC since 2019 and was construction manager at Associated Bank from 2017 to 2019. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from CSU.
Matthew Berg
The West Fargo (North Dakota) Fire Department has announced the appointment of Matthew Berg to fire chief of internal services, where he will oversee facility operations, fleet management and logistics to maintain department safety and readiness. He joined the department in 2020 and was named West Fargo’s Firefighter of the Year in 2023. He received a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.
Sean Peterson
Christopher Newport University has selected Sean Peterson as the new university police chief. He has served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, currently holding the rank of command sergeant major. He formerly served as police chief with the Town of Warsaw (Virgina) Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.
Michael Austrino
Michael Austrino has been promoted to chief of operations with the Randolph (Massachusetts) Fire Department. He joined the department as a firefighter/paramedic in 2010 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2014. In his new role, he will oversee the department’s operational and administrative functions, while continuing to focus on training, personnel development, emergency preparedness and organizational effectiveness. He earned a master’s degree in fire executive leadership from CSU.
Rene McNish
Rene McNish has been named deputy police chief with the El Centro (California) Police Department. A military veteran and law enforcement officer, he brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, including patrol officer, sergeant with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and operations commander with the Brawley Police Department. He received a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.
Michael Berthiaume
The Franklin (Massachusetts) Fire Department has promoted Michael Berthiaume to captain. He joined the department in 2015 as a firefighter/paramedic and was appointed to lieutenant in July 2023. He began serving as acting captain in 2025 before permanently taking over the role in July 2026. He earned a master’s degree in emergency services management from CSU.
Lester Flint
Lester Flint has been named Charles County (Maryland) emergency services director. He brings more than 34 years of experience in fire and rescue operations, emergency medical services, emergency management, disaster preparedness, training and public safety administration. He has served with the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department since 1991 and currently serves as county battalion chief. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from CSU.
Gregory (Todd) Hood
The Woodstock (Georgia) Police Department has announced the appointment of Gregory (Todd) Hood to deputy police chief. He has served as division commander with Johns Creek Police and is a Marine Corps veteran. In addition, Hood has served as part of presidential security with the White House Military Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from CSU.
Chad Dallas
The city of Lagrange (Georgia) honored deputy fire chief Chad Dallas for more than three decades of service. During his 38-year tenure in the fire service, Dallas rose through the ranks, serving as sergeant, lieutenant and captain. During his early career with the LaGrange Fire Department, he was awarded Firefighter of the Year. He plans to retire Oct. 1. He received 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.
