Staff Reports
The Columbus Fire Department has promoted seven officers due to recent retirements and changes in its administration at the start of the year, according to a news release.
In January, Capt. Brian Snyder retired after 31 years and Lt. Dana Parks retired after 22 years.
Steve Yeley, a 24-year veteran of the department, was promoted to the rank of captain from lieutenant. His certifications include: emergency medical technician, fire officer strategy and tactics, hazardous materials technician, vehicle and machinery extrication technician and aircraft rescue-firefighter.
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Jeff Cain, a 22-year Columbus Fire Department veteran, was promoted to captain from lieutenant. Cain’s certifications include: emergency medical technician, fire officer strategy and tactics, hazardous materials technician and aircraft rescue-firefighter.
Also promoted to captain from lieutenant was Rusty Thompson, a 19-year veteran of the department. His certifications include: emergency medical technician, fire officer strategy and tactics, hazardous materials technician, rope rescue technician, swift water rescue technician, vehicle and machinery extrication technician and aircraft rescue-firefighter.
Jim Miller, with the department for 19 years, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant from firefighter. Miller is an emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.
Eric Darlage, in his 17th year with the department, was promoted to lieutenant from firefighter. He is a paramedic technician, hazardous materials technician, rope rescue technician, swift water rescue technician, vehicle and machinery extrication technician, confined space rescue technician and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified.
Shawn McNealy, with the department for 15 years, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant from firefighter. McNealy is an emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician and is fire officer strategy and tactics certified.
Also promoted to lieutenant from firefighter was Yancey Murphy, a 15-year veteran of the department. He is an emergency medical technician, hazardous materials technician, rope rescue technician and a vehicle and machinery extrication technician.
Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton and the administrative board of chiefs interviewed 32 officer candidates before announcing promotions.
“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,” Compton said.
