Ames Today

Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins announced today the promotion of Ames Fire Department Shift Commander Karen Tapper to the position Deputy Fire Chief. Tapper replaces Douglas Allen, who recently retired after more than 20 years of service. Tapper will begin her new duties on Saturday, April 16.

“With her many years of experience in various positions with the Ames Fire Department, Karen has shown her natural leadership abilities, dedication to serving our residents, and commitment to public outreach and fire safety education,” said Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins. “We are excited to promote Karen to our administrative team and confident she will continue to be an amazing asset to our organization.”

Tapper has been with the Ames Fire Department since 1999, was promoted to Lieutenant in 2006, and then to Shift Commander in 2016. She has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Waldorf University. She has the following certifications: Fire Department Vehicle Diver Operator Pumper, Fire Officer II, Fire Officer I, Fire Service Instructor I, Fire Fighter II, Fire Fighter I, Emergency Medical Responder, Fire Instructor II, and Fire Department Safety Officers Association Incident Safety Officer NFPA Standard 1521.

The Ames Fire Department includes two Deputy Fire Chiefs to assist the Fire Chief. Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chiefs plan and direct the activities of the Fire Department and represent the Fire Department's interest with external agencies involved in community safety. The Deputy Fire Chiefs are responsible for managing and supervising functions such as operations, information and records management, emergency communication, computer services, grants and contracts, and special projects. The Deputy Fire Chief assumes command in the absence of the Fire Chief.

The Ames Fire Department is a full-service municipal department comprised of 59 firefighters located at three fire stations. Ames Fire focuses on prevention, suppression, emergency services, and fire safety inspections.

Original source can be found here.