City Manager Shaun Mulholland announces the appointment of James R. Wheatley to the position of Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director for the City of Lebanon, effective October 28, 2022.
Presently, Jim serves as a Captain/Paramedic at the Lebanon Fire Department and has since 2011. He oversees two stations and personnel as a shift commander. He also has full responsibility for handling professional training, personal protective equipment, building maintenance, and technical rescue.
He is also an Adjunct Staff Instructor at the Vermont Fire Standards and Training where he teaches students about Firefighter I/II and Fire Officer Program. He also previously taught hydraulics and water supply courses at Vermont Technical College.
Prior to his employment with Lebanon, Jim worked at the Hartford, Vermont Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic for 4 ½ years. He received his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Degree from New Hampshire Community Technical College and his Bachelor of Science Degree from Columbia Southern University. Jim also graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
Fire Chief Chris Christopoulos states, “Captain Wheatley is a well-rounded and highly competent fire officer. He continually strives to improve by continuing his education and is well-respected by his peers. His commitment to firefighter training and safety has been demonstrated by his own education, including the prestigious National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and the development of a comprehensive Lebanon Fire Department training program. Captain Wheatley will serve the community well and I am happy to see his progression to the position of Fire Chief.”
City Manager Mulholland states, “I am excited to have Jim serve as our next Fire Chief. Jim is well qualified and has the experience to operate a modern fire department to serve the citizens of our city. He has worked closely with Chief Christopoulos to transition to this new role.”
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