Hometown Proud!

30 August 06 ~ Today was such a great day.  And I was honored to be there as Tacoma Fire Department swore in their new Chief.  Ron Stephens was surrounded by family, friends, firefighters, community leaders, and locals who were happy to see that Tacoma really got it right when they chose him over the other national contenders!  (Nothing against any of them, but we love our Chief!)

Chief Stephens has been an amazing supporter for HeroToHero.US and we were a little concerned when we heard that the city had decided not to just make him the official choice after his time as acting Chief.  But there is no doubt now.  After a nationwide search was conducted,  Chief Stephens rose once more to the top.

Let there be no doubt that he has earned this spot.  Aside from being loved and respected by so many he has truly earned his bugles.

Joining TFD in 1977, he truly worked his way up that fire ladder. From field officer; lieutenant, captain of the training division; deputy harbor master; assistant manager of the Tacoma Emergency Operations Center; assistant chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau, equal employment opportunity officer; to the deputy chief of administration.

That would seem like enough, huh?  But no, you have to add: Coordinator of Hazardous Materials Team; member of the South Puget Sound Regional Hazardous Materials Team; certified hazmat technician; board member and service as treasurer of the Puget Sound Marine Firefighting Commission ... and a Hero to us at H2H!

Chief Stephens, congratulations, and SALUTE!

 

lj