Recently the Scioto Valley Fire District Board appointed a new fire chief and assistant chief to lead the department into the future. Earlier this year, the district board began accepting applications for a part-time fire chief. The district had five qualified applicants apply for the position. On March 3^rd, the board met and selected Brian Thomas to be the next chief of the Scioto Valley Fire District. Chief Thomas is not a new name to the district as he began his fire service career at SVFD in 1994 as a volunteer firefighter. Chief Thomas is currently employed full-time with Marion Township Fire as a Lieutenant on C-Shift. Brian has been with Marion Twp for 23 years. Chief Thomas is a well-known fire-service educator in Marion County, where he has trained many firefighters that currently serve in this county. Chief also holds certifications as a paramedic, fire instructor, fire inspector, EMS CE instructor, and many others. Chief Thomas currently resides in Upper Sandusky with his wife of 23 years, Annette. Brian and his wife have 2 children, Garrett and Alayna. We welcome Chief Thomas and look forward to the leadership he will provide the department in the future.

During the search for a new chief, the board decided to create the position of part-time assistant chief. All applicants for the position of the chief were eligible for this position as well and it was also made available for internal applicants that did not apply for the position of the chief. The district board with the recommendation of Chief Thomas choose to promote Lt. Josh Harper to the rank of assistant chief. Asst. Chief Harper has been with the Scioto Valley Fire District for 18 years. Chief Harper has also been the interim chief of the department from August 2021 till April 2nd of this year. Chief Harper’s primary responsibility prior to taking the interim chief’s position was to oversee the EMS division of the department since 2013 when the department started providing EMS. Chief Harper is currently full-time with Delaware County EMS as a lieutenant at Medic 10 on 1 Unit. He recently held the rank of assistant chief at the Northern Union County Fire and EMS District until stepping down after accepting the position with SVFD. Chief Harper holds certifications as a paramedic, fire instructor, and EMS CE instructor. Chief Harper currently resides outside of New Bloomington with his wife of 4 years, Terra. Josh and Terra, enjoy spending time with their dog Wyatt.

Please join us in congratulating our new chiefs and we look forward to the direction and the leadership they will provide for the men and women of the Scioto Valley Fire District.