Names in the News: April 18, 2021

SHANE BOYD took over as the new chief of the Opelika (AL) Fire Department (OFD) on April 1. He takes over the position for previous OFD chief Byron Prather, who retired on January 31. Boyd began his fire career by volunteering with a local fire department while attending college. After a year of volunteering, he went to emergency medical services school before joining the Bessemer (AL) Fire Department (BFD). He rose through the BFD ranks to eventually become its deputy chief, his most previous job.

BILL BERRY was named the new chief of the Terre Haute (IN) Fire Department (THFD). He takes over the position from previous THFD chief Jeff Fisher, who retired on April 12. Berry is a graduate of Indiana State University and an Army veteran. He arrived at the THFD in 1993 and immediately began attending emergency medical technician school and later paramedic school. He has served as an emergency medical services operations chief and hazmat chief, and later served as a captain with the THFD.

NELSON WIRTZ was selected as the new chief of the Oak Bluffs (MA) Fire Department (OBFD) on April 13. A 25-year career firefighter, Wirtz comes to the OBFD from the Chatham (MA) Fire Department, where he was a captain. A seasoned firefighter trainer, he has been an instructor at the Cape Cod Center for Public Training Facility since 2016. Wirtz said he will encourage fire prevention through community outreach to elderly populations, conduct smoke detector replacement programs, and work in the schools. 

MONTE BRYAN was named the new chief of the Roseburg (OR) Fire Department (RFD). Bryan has been with the department since 2007, beginning as deputy fire marshal before becoming fire marshal in 2015. Before that, he was with the Roseburg Police Department from 1995 to 2007 as a patrol officer, school resource officer, corporal, and tactical team member. Bryan has also taught fire-related classes as a part-time instructor at Umpqua Community College. He succeeds previous RFD chief Gary Garrisi, who retired after a 33-year fire service career.

ELOY VEGA was sworn in as the new chief of the Port Neches (TX) Fire Department on April 15. He will begin in his new position on April 27. Vega succeeds Mike Stegall, who had been acting as interim chief since January. Vega served the Laredo (TX) Fire Department (LFD) for 22 years, moving up through the ranks as a public information officer and captain before becoming a district chief in 2012. During his tenure with the LFD, he helped lead the department’s training, fire prevention, and arson divisions.