Tucker is BBR's new fire chief

Chief Tucker. He is still getting used to the title. When he first moved his gear into the station as a "sleeper" live-in volunteer, Dan Tucker had absolutely no premonition that he would one day be taking the helm of this highly professional fire department.

Now, after 21 years of service with the Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, Dan Tucker has been selected as the new Fire Chief to replace Ed Sherrill who has made his retirement from the fire service official.

With a naturally shy and modest personality, he found the tremendous support he received from the Board of Directors, Ranch staff and fire personnel overwhelming.

"Since we promoted Dan from Captain to Assistant Chief a year ago, we have had the opportunity to watch him grow as we gave him advanced training and interaction opportunities with his future peers," said Bob Reed, Chairman of the Fire Department Board of Directors. "We felt no need to look elsewhere for our new Chief. We knew we already had a great leader for our department."

Initially hesitant to agree to step more into the public spotlight, Dan took encouragement from his wife Beverly and son Dillon to take the step and is now fully committed to the challenge.

General Manager Loy Helmley said, "We are so fortunate to have someone like Dan who has worked hard to be qualified to lead our department. The intimate knowledge that he has gained after 21 years at Black Butte Ranch is absolutely invaluable. We are excited to have him as part of our leadership team."

Tucker sees this as an opportunity to teach staff, trainees and students much more than just the advanced fire fighting and EMS skills needed for the job. He really looks forward to mentoring his fire fighters into being true role models in all aspects of their lives.

"This should be more than just a job. It is a way of life," he said.

He also envisions his department becoming a stronger customer service asset at the Ranch, supporting residents, guests and staff in a variety of ways.

"They should always know that we are always here and ready to help wherever we can," he said.

Building even further on the close working relationships that have been built between the other Central Oregon fire departments, wildland firefighters and emergency agencies is a priority.

"This is something special in this area that you don't see happening in a lot of places," he said. "We work extremely closely and as true equals with all of our partners. There are no turf wars or ego battles here. Everyone is respected for the tremendous skills they bring to the table."

Board Chair Bob Reed explained the commitment to training and development.

"All of our fire students and trainees receive six weeks of initial training before they can even work side by side with existing personnel," he said.

While he will miss some of the camaraderie of being with the front line crews, Tucker looks forward to leading them into the future. Now if he can just find a good Assistant Chief to fill that suddenly vacated position...