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.

Thomas Hackett serves as a Shift Commander with the Ames Fire Department, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to that, Hackett was a Lieutenant from 2007 to 2013, and served as a Firefighter from 2000 to 2007. He was a Staff Sergeant with the Iowa Air National Guard from 1997 to 2005. Hackett has an associate’s degree in fire science from Des Moines Area Community College.

Hackett will give a public presentation at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 515 Clark Ave.