Names in the News: October 2, 2022

DAVID RATHBUN was named as the new chief of the Sarasota County (FL) Fire Department (SCFD). Rathbun is a 32-year veteran of Orange County (FL) Fire Rescue (OCFR), beginning his career there as a firefighter/EMT in 1989. He then rose through the ranks to eventually serve the OCFR as a lieutenant; a battalion chief; an assistant chief; and a division chief of logistics, of operations, and of planning and technical services. He retired as the OCFR’s deputy chief in January 2022. With the OCFR, he also managed fire operations, emergency medical services and special operations, and fleet and equipment needs for the department’s more than 1,500 personnel.

RYAN FREEBURG was announced as the new chief of the Glendale (AZ) Fire Department on September 26. He will officially take over the position on October 10. Freeburg is a 26-year fire service veteran who began his career in 1996 as a reserve firefighter with Rural Metro Fire in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a three-year stint in minor league baseball. He then joined the Scottsdale Fire Department as a captain in 2005 and was promoted to battalion chief in 2007, to deputy chief of operations in 2011, and assistant chief in 2012. Freeburg succeeds Terry Garrison, who retired in June after a 45-year firefighting career.

JOHNNY LEE COLE was sworn in as the new chief of the Pikeville (KY) Fire Department (PFD) on September 26. His first day in his new role was October 1. Cole is a 14-year PFD veteran who also served for six years as a 911 dispatcher with the city. He also has experience with the town’s wildland fire team and the Honor Guard, among other roles and volunteer positions. Cole takes over the top job from previous PFD chief Patrick Bentley, who retired in July.

JAMES HAND was appointed as the new chief of the Athens (AL) Fire and Rescue Department (AFRD) on September 26. Hand is a 20-plus-year AFRD veteran who has served with the department as a firefighter, a driver, and an inspector and had been the AFRD’s fire marshal for the past nine years. He also served as AFD interim chief from May 2020 to January 2021, in between the retirement of Bryan Thornton and hiring of Al Hogan, who left the department in July.

DERRELL SHARP was promoted to become the new chief of the Port Angeles (WA) Fire Department (PAFD). He replaces previous PAFD chief Ken Dubuc, who retired earlier this year. Sharp is a 30-year fire service veteran who previously served as the PAFD’s assistant chief after joining the department as its assistant chief of Operations and EMS in July 2021. He has extensive training and experience in department operations, emergency medical services, health and safety, and training program management. Sharp also oversaw the city’s Community Paramedic Program and acted as the department’s liaison to the Clallam County Medical Program director and Department of Health.