March 31 , 2006

RUSS CONLEY NAMED NEW CHIEF

A 21-year veteran that has spent his entire career at the Midland Fire Department is now its newest Chief.  44-year-old Russ Conley first came to the department in 1984 as a Fire Fighter and worked his way through the ranks. He was promoted to Paramedic/Driver in 1987, to Fire Captain in 1990, and to his most recent assignment as Battalion Chief in 1997.  He becomes Midland's sixth paid fire chief.

Conley first applied for a job with the Midland Fire Department recalling he thought it was a job "he could do." During his tenure, he has worked under two chiefs as a member of what he calls a "team."  Conley has been a team member as well as a team leader.  He now looks forward to being a part of the team lead by the City Manager and the team leader for the Midland Fire Department.

Conley feels a great responsibility to the citizens of Midland, and to the employees of the Midland Fire Department that are committed to protecting the entire community.  He has been on both sides, learning empathy at a young age.  When he was in the fifth grade, his family lived with his uncle in Idaho.  Their home burned to the ground and everything inside was gone. He remembers the feeling of loosing all his possessions.

Conley enjoys being a public servant.  His work has allowed him to participate in the community through the United Way, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Special Olympics.  He has also been involved in employee programs at the City including the Midland Municipal Employee Scholarship Fund and the Rising Star Program.

Conley is a graduate of the City of Midland's first Rising Star class.  Six employees were designated as being up and coming leaders in the organization.  The group worked on projects over a two-year period.

Conley received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Lubbock Christian University.  He also has an Associate in Applied Science from Midland College.  He has taken numerous courses at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  Conley is a Certified Master Firefighter and licensed Paramedic.

Twenty-two applications were received for the position of Fire Chief. Eighteen met the educational requirements.  Three were interviewed.

City of Midland Fire Chiefs

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