>> HAROLD ISLER was appointed the new chief of the Rockingham (NC) Fire Department. He began his new duties on August 1, 2014, 20 days before current Chief Chuck Gardner retired. Isler started his career with the Goldsboro (NC) Fire Department at the age of 18 in 1997. In October 2002, he was promoted to fire engineer in Goldsboro, and in December 2008 he was promoted to captain at his home department. He was selected from a pool of almost 50 applicants for the job.
>> KEVIN B. TAPPE was named the new chief of the Ridgefield (CT) Fire Department (RFD). Tappe served as acting chief from January 2014 until June 2014 after former Chief Heather Burford resigned to head up the department in Seminole, Florida. Tappe is a fire service veteran of 40+ years who has served in many types of departments. The majority of his career was spent in the Stamford (CT) Fire Department, where he retired as deputy chief. Tappe also served as RFD’s assistant chief for the past seven years.
>> JAMES AUSTIN retired as chief of the Ruston (LA) Fire Department (RFD) on July 23 after a 34-year fire service career. Austin was appointed as RFD chief in December 2010. He said he made the decision to join the RFD because of the ambulance services being offered. During his time at the fire department, Austin has received the highest level of training and certification for his position as chief.
Fire Engineering Archives
