Firefighter Kevin Bennett has been promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Bennett is a 14 year veteran of the department. Lieutenant Bennett is a nationally registered Paramedic. Additional certifications include, Hazardous Materials Technician, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Rope Rescue Technician, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician and Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics.
Firefighter Rusty Thompson has also been promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Thompson is an 18 year veteran of the department. Lt. Thompson is a state certified basic EMT. Additional certifications include, Hazardous Materials Technician, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Fire Instructor and Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics.
The promotions were made following the retirement of Lt. Roger Snyder, who retired in June after serving 35 years with the department, and Lt. Mark Tovey, who retired in July after serving 28 with the department. 4 additional firefighters have also retired this year. Firefighter Gary Henderson retired in January after serving 32 years. Henderson was the Chief of the Department from 2000-2011. Firefighter Jeff Sneed retired in January after serving 30 years. Firefighter Mike Barkes retired in January after serving 28 years. Firefighter Tim Gilpin retired in June after serving 27 years.
Chief Dave Allmon states, “I am very happy with the promotion of these firefighters. Lieutenants Bennett and Thompson are great additions to the leadership of the department. We thank our retired firefighters for their contributions to the safety of our community. We wish them nothing but the best in their retirement.”
