Two finalists have been identified for two open positions of Deputy Fire Chief with the City of Ames Fire Department. As part of the interview process, the public is encouraged to attend the public presentations in order to interact with the candidates and provide feedback to City officials.
The Ames Fire Department includes two Deputy Fire Chiefs to assist the Fire Chief. Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chiefs plan and direct the activities of the Fire Department and represent the Fire Department's interest with external agencies involved in community safety. The Deputy Fire Chiefs are responsible for managing and supervising functions such as operations, information and records management, emergency communication, computer services, grants and contracts, and special projects. The Deputy Fire Chief assumes command in the absence of the Fire Chief.
The two vacancies were created when former Deputy Fire Chief Rich Higgins was promoted to Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sandoval retired in August. The Ames Fire Department is a full-service municipal department comprised of 59 firefighters located at three fire stations. Ames Fire focuses on fire inspection, prevention, and suppression, as well as emergency services.
Douglas Allen serves as a Shift Commander with the Ames Fire Department, a position he has held since 2006. Since 2012, he has served as a Coordinator with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Allen was a Lieutenant with the Ames Fire Department from 2005 to 2006, and a Firefighter from 1999 to 2005. He also served various positions with the Huxley Fire Department from 1992 to 2002. Prior to that, he served as Transportation Director with the Ballard Community Schools from 1993 to 1999. Allen has an associate’s degree in fire science from Des Moines Area Community College an associate’s degree in farm operations from Iowa State University.
Allen will give a public presentation at 4 p.m. on Monday, November 26, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.
