On Friday afternoon, the Bellefontaine Fire Department celebrated the addition of two new leaders to its ranks.
During a ceremony attended by family and friends, Mayor Dave Crissman swore in Randy McCully and Nathan Alexander as Assistant Fire Chiefs.
In addition to his role as Assistant Fire Chief, McCully will also serve as the department’s Fire Prevention Officer.
These appointments come after a period of significant turnover within the department.
Earlier this year, Fire Chief Andy Fissel and Assistant Chief Tom Weikart Jr. both retired.
Following their retirements, Brian Wilson, who had been serving as the interim Fire Chief, was officially sworn in as the full-time Fire Chief on November 13th.
McCully, who joined the Bellefontaine Fire Department in April 2016, made a career change after years of volunteer firefighting beginning in 2003.
He decided to pursue firefighting full-time, and his appointment to Assistant Fire Chief marks a significant milestone in his career.
Reflecting on the transition and his new responsibilities, McCully shared his thoughts:
Alexander, who has been with the Bellefontaine Fire Department since 2019, also transitioned into firefighting from another career—leaving his position as an investigator with Children’s Services.
Outside of his work with the department, Alexander enjoys spending time hunting with his children and is known for his versatility as a “Jack of all trades.”
He shared his excitement about the positive direction the Fire Department is heading:
With these leadership changes, the Bellefontaine Fire Department is optimistic, now nearly fully staffed, and looks forward to continued growth and positive developments.
