For Immediate Release: June 6, 2008
Contact: Communications Manager
Heather Lammers, 303-538-7238
Television Services Administrator
Todd Barnes, 303-538-7279

City of Thornton announces hiring of new Fire Chief

John Staley comes to Thornton with 26 years experience

THORNTON, CO…After a nationwide search, the City of Thornton has hired a new Fire Chief. John Staley, currently the interim Fire Chief in Billings, Montana, accepted the offer to become Thornton’s Fire Chief on June 5, 2008. “The opportunities that exist in Thornton are what made the position very appealing,” says Staley. “Coming to a growing Fire Department with a lot of younger fire fighters is exactly what I was looking for. I love the energy and enthusiasm that exists with a younger department.”

A 26-year veteran of the Billings Fire Department, Staley has a Bachelor of Science in Communications degree from Montana State University. Staley has worked as deputy chief, battalion chief and chief of training for the Billings Fire Department. He has also worked with the National Fire Protection Association as a consultant and is a member in the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Mr. Staley also received an award from Montana State University Billings for creating a Fire Science degree program.

“John has a very impressive background. I think his progressive communications skills and training experience are what set him apart from the other applicants we had for the position. We were looking for someone with strong communication ability, who is excited about fire services and who could motivate and mentor simultaneously," said City Manager Jack Ethredge.

Staley will lead the Fire Department which is ranked by Thornton’s citizens as one of the City’s leading services. “You know it is a great work atmosphere when the City’s management team has the kind of longevity that Jack Ethredge and his team have at the City of Thornton. I haven’t been this excited since I was a junior fire fighter.”

John Staley’s first day on the job will be Monday July 7,2008. He takes over for Greg Sheehan who retired from the position earlier this year. Thornton has 95 Fire Department employees with 81 employees being assigned to five fire stations.

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