Names in the News: January 8, 2023

DONNA LAKE will retire as chief of the Kansas City (MO) Fire Department (KCFD) on January 27 after more than 30 years with the department, the past three as its first-ever female chief. She joined the KCFD in 1992 and rose through the ranks, from firefighter to assistant chief. During her time as KCFD chief, Lake helped launch a community paramedicine program; improved department diversity, equity, and inclusion; conducted multiple vaccination clinics; reopened Fire Station 40; and began basic life support 911 services. Her last assignment with the KCFD was commanding the Technical Services Bureau, which includes fleet, facilities, IT, and logistics.

RICKY VAUGHAN was sworn in as the new chief of the Denton County (TX) Emergency Services District No. 1 on January 4. Vaughan previously served as the assistant chief of operations for Carrollton (TX) Fire Rescue, where he has served in every rank up to assistant chief. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserves, where he retired in 2010 after 22 years of service. Vaughan has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management administration from West Texas A&M University and a master of public administration degree from Sam Houston State University.

JOE KING was named the new chief and director of Volusia County (FL) Fire Rescue (VCFR). He is a 32-year fire service veteran who joined VCFR in 2021 as its deputy chief. In July 2022, King was named interim director after Howard Bailey retired. Prior to joining VCFR, King worked with Flagler County (FL) Fire Rescue, serving as its deputy chief from 2017-2021 and division chief and fire marshal from 2013-2017. He also worked for the Ormond Beach (FL) Fire Department from 1990-2013, eventually rising to the rank of captain.

KENDALL EBERHART was named the new chief of Bright (IN) Fire and EMS (BFEMS). Eberhart is a 12-year member of BFEMS, joining there as a firefighter in 2011. He is a certified Firefighter I and II and EMT-B and has other certifications in hazmat operations and awareness, technical rescue, rope and ice rescue, and fireground leadership. Eberhart has served as a BFEMS lieutenant and captain and most recently acted as charge captain of the department’s daytime operations. Eberhart plans to continue the department’s efficiency by emphasizing fire suppression, rescue, EMS, and leaving an educational footprint in the community.  

BENT KOCH was sworn in as the new chief of the Heartland Fire & Rescue Department (HFRD), which covers the California cities of El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and La Mesa. He takes over the position from previous HFRD chief Steve Swaney, who retired on December 30, 2022. Koch started his fire service career in 1994 with the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District as a volunteer. He then joined the city of La Mesa in July 1998 as a firefighter. Koch has also served the HFRD as an engineer, a captain, a battalion chief, and a fire division chief.