CFD announces retirements and promotions

The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) has announced the promotion of seven officers. CFD Captain Mike Wilson explains that the promotions of three Captains and four Lieutenants is due to recent retirements, as well as changes to the fire department administration that took place at the beginning of the year.

Wilson says that Captain Brian Snyder retired from CFD in January after serving 31 years. Also retiring in January 2016, was Lieutenant Dana Parks, who served CFD for 22 years.

Wilson says that Lieutenant Steve Yeley has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Yeley is a 24-year veteran of the department with certifications including; Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics certified, Hazardous Materials Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.

Lieutenant Jeff Cain has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Wilson says that Cain is a 22-year veteran of the department with certifications including; Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Hazardous Materials Technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.

Lieutenant Rusty Thompson has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Wilson says that Thompson is a 19-year veteran of the department with certifications including; Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics certified, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.

Firefighter Jim Miller has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wilson says that Miller is a 19-year veteran of the department. Lt. Miller is an Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.

Firefighter Eric Darlage has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wilson says that Darlage is a 17-year veteran of the department. Lt. Darlage is a Paramedic Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Recue Technician, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.

Firefighter Shawn McNealy has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wilson says that McNealy is a 15 year veteran of the department. Lt. McNealy is an Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician and is Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics certified.

Firefighter Yancey Murphy has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Wilson says that Murphy is a 15 year veteran of the department. Lt. Murphy is an Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician and a Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician.

Fire Chief Mike Compton expressed his satisfaction with the recent promotions. Chief Compton, along the administrative Board of Chiefs, interviewed 32 officer candidates before announcing their selection for promotions. Chief Compton said, “The quality of the field of applicants gives us great hope for the future of the Columbus Fire Department. We are fortunate to have so many talented and supportive people wanting to help the department move forward.”