HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2007 Fire Chief Names New Administration U d
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NEWS RELEASE
May 16, 2007
9:30 a.m.
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
Chief Howard Buchanon, Fire Chief, 235-9255
FIRE CHIEF NAMES NEW ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Steve Luecke joined Chief Howard Buchanon in announcing the new management team
for the South Bend Fire Department at today's Board of Safety Meeting. While some of the
administration changes will take place immediately, two of the promotions will occur when
senior officers retire later this summer.
"Our firefighters are known for their quick response, and Chief Buchanon has demonstrated that
in naming officers to round out his leadership team," Luecke said. "He has a talented and
dedicated department from which to draw. I'm confident these firefighters will distinguish
themselves in their new roles, building on the great legacy of those who have gone before them."
Today's promotions include the Assistant Fire Chief for Fire Prevention & Inspection(position
previously held by Chief Buchanon), Assistant Chief of Services, Assistant Chief of Emergency
Medical Services Bureau, and two 24 Hour Battalion Chiefs. The firefighters who have been
recommended for these positions have served on the Department for several years and bring a
strong record of service and accomplishments during their careers with the South Bend Fire
Department.
"I am pleased to present our new chief officers, together now, so that the So. Bend Fire
Department can move forward," said Chief Buchanon. "It is important for all of our departments
to begin transitioning effectively, so that we may continue to efficiently deliver our every day
services."
"Each of these officers has demonstrated effective leadership and loyalty to the department.
They are distinguished veterans who, nonetheless, will bring fresh ideas and new energy to their
posts and will keep us evolving as a modern firefighting force."
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Page 2.
Chief Buchanon has already outlined some new ideas that he would like to see instituted with the
new administration, including the requirement that all new firemen complete certification to
become EMTI'S (Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate). South Bend is already leading
the way in providing top level emergency services by requiring all South Bend firefighters to be
certified on the ALS (Advanced Life Support)rigs. The South Bend Fire Department is the first
department in the State of Indiana to have the entire fleet certified.
Chief Buchanon added that, "we will also continue working towards existing departmental goals,
including the development of a new Level 3 training facility, near the airport, that will provide
firefighters, law enforcement, hospitals, emergency management personnel, and others requiring
emergency training, within a seven-county area."
Promotions
Effective Immediately
Assistant Fire Chief—Fire Prevention & Inspection (Chief Buchanon's
former postion)
Battalion Chief Robert Sanders has served the South Bend Fire Department with
commitment, loyalty and distinction, for 29 years. He began his career in
September of 1977 as a Firefighter on Engine 5. Since that time he has proven
his ability to work with and supervise his battalion with great leadership and
integrity.
24 Hour Battalion Chief (Asst. Chief Sanders former position)
Captain Nicholas Tekler was appointed to the South Bend Fire Department in
March of 1988. Four years later he was promoted to Captain. During the 9
years of his service, Captain Tekler has demonstrated exemplary commitment to
the Department and has led an outstanding company and station. He has the
leadership, training and dedication to be a 24 Hour Battalion Chief and has
filled in for the Battalion Chiefs position on many occasions in the past.
24 Hour Battalion Chief (Currently vacant position)
Captain Carl Buchanon has been a member of the South Bend Fire Department
since 1986. He has risen steadily through the ranks and was promoted to
Captain in 1991. A graduate of John Adams High School, Captain Buchanon
has served his community with loyalty and distinction for 21 years.
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Page 3.
Effective July 6, 2007
it Assistant Chief of Services (Replaces Asst.Chief Switalski in July)
Battalion Chief Mark Nowicki has been with the South Bend Fire Department
for 27 years. For the last 23 years he has acted as Battalion Chief of Training.
Battalion Chief Nowicki has been an effective administrator in the training
bureau. He has shown outstanding leadership and dedication to keeping all
personnel trained in the newest and most effective safety techniques and
equipment.
Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services Bureau (Replaces Asst.
Chief Magdalinski in July)
Captain Stephen Cox is a former Army Medic and veteran of Desert Shield and
Desert Storm. Captain Cox joined the South Bend Fire Department in 1993 and
was promoted to Paramedic Lieutenant in 1997 and to Captain in 2003. Captain
Cox has shown excellent leadership and professionalism and will bring fresh
ideas to the EMS Department.
Battalion Chief—Instruction Bureau (Replaces Asst. Chief Nowicki in
July)
Captain John Corthier was appointed to the department in 1979. He was first
promoted to Captain in 1985 and then Capt. of the Instruction Bureau in 2002.
During his career with the SBFD he has also served as captain of Engine #1,
Public Education Officer, Paramedic, and Captain in the Instruction Bureau. He
has worked diligently with Battalion Chief Nowicki at the Instruction Bureau
and has great understanding of this position and the ability to effectively communicate and share
this knowledge.
Continuing in current positions:
Asst. Chief'Jim Lopez — Operations
Battalion Chiefs —Kirsits, Maenhout, Kolher, Rodriquez, Damiano
Retiring July, 2007
Chief Randy Magdalinski
Chief'Rick Switalski