Names in the News: May 14, 2023

GENE SANDERS was sworn in as the new chief of the Tallahassee (FL) Fire Department (TFD) on May 12. He began his career with the TFD as a volunteer and steadily rose through the ranks, most recently serving as the TFD’s deputy chief of operations. He’s also managed the department’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and its Hazardous Materials Task Force. He led TFD in special deployments like the Surfside building collapse and the response to Hurricane Ian. Sanders has an associate of arts degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in fire department administration.

STEPHAN DRENNAN was appointed to the position of acting chief with the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department (JCFD). A Jersey City native and third-generation JCFD member, he has worked with the JCFD in all special operations including as a structural collapse rescue specialist and in swiftwater rescue operations. He also reached top rank as rescue manager and was most recently a lead instructor for New Jersey Task Force 1. Drennan spent 15 years as the Rescue Company One captain and five years as the fourth battalion chief. As a deputy chief, he served as the chief of training prior to becoming acting chief.

PHILIP SELBERG will be sworn in as the new chief of the South Portland (ME) Fire Department (SPFD) on May 18. He had been acting as the department’s interim chief after the retirement of previous SPFD chief James Wilson on February 3. Selberg began his SPFD career in 1998. He rose through the ranks to become deputy chief in 2018 and was placed in charge of training and special operations. He has a master’s of public administration degree from the University of Maine and an AAS degree in fire science technology from Southern Maine Technical College.

ERIC MAUROUARD was unanimously selected to become the new chief of the Olean (NY) Fire Department (OFD), contingent on him passing a state examine before officially assuming command. He is a 13-year OFD veteran who will become the town’s 22nd fire chief since 1878. In his new role, Maurouard will oversee the town’s Department of Fire, Building and Emergency Services as well as the code enforcement office. He replaces outgoing chief Tim Richardson, a 21-year OFD veteran who spent three years in the position.

JOSH WHITEHEAD was promoted to become the new battalion chief for Polk County (FL) Fire Rescue (PCFR). Whitehead is a 22-year PCFR veteran who previously served as the department’s captain. Throughout his tenure, he has assumed numerous responsibilities, including serving as a firefighter/paramedic; training officer; and a member of the SWAT Team, marine unit, and special operations. In addition, he is an Eagle Scout and is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree. In his new role, Whitehead will be assigned to the Operations Division.