Sunday was the last shift dinner for Captain Townsend and Engineer Hunter. Captain Townsend is starting with Fort Wainwright Fire Department. We wish them the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Hail & Farewells
Steese VFD Hires New Fire Chief
Steese Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) welcomed a new leader to replace retiring Chief Mitch Flynn, who headed the department for the last 16 years. The Steese Board of Directors would like to announce that Scott A Learned has been appointed Fire Chief for the Steese Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Learned has served as SVFD’s Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the past six years. He has 38 years of experience in the Alaskan emergency services, 33 of which have been in Fairbanks. We held Chief Learned’s pinning ceremony at Station 61 on July 12th. We believe his skills, talents, and knowledge will be invaluable to our department’ continued success and the protection of the residents of our service area. Welcome Chief Learned.

Former Fire Chief Mitch Flynn says his last farewell and welcomes Scott A. Learned as the new Fire Chief.
Chief Flynn Retires
Chief T. Mitch Flynn’s final day with the Department was Friday, July 12th. Thank you to all who have sent well wishes and to those who were able to make his retirement celebration on the 11th they truly mean a lot to Chief Flynn. When we get the photos back from the photographer we will share them. Saying farewell to Chief Flynn is not easy but we wish him and his wonderful wife Melody all the best in their next adventure. Thank you both for your mentorship and service to our community it is very much appreciated.
Good Luck Firefighter Dayton
April 25th was Firefighter/EMT Connor Dayton’s last shift as a volunteer firefighter with our department. Connor started with our Department as a scholarship firefighter and has become a valuable asset. Connor is moving back to Washington and has accepted a position with a Wildland Firefighting Crew. We wish him the best of luck in his new position.
Farewell Engineer Heineken
March 22nd was Engineer/EMT2 Max Heineken’s last shift as a scholarship firefighter with our department. Max has done an oustanding job exceeding our expecations by rapidly progressing to an Engineer’s position. Max has accepted a position with the Fairbanks Fire Dept. and will soon be moving on to the next chapter in his fire service career. We wish him all the best at FFD.
Congratulations Firefighter Johnson
January 17, 2018 was Firefighter Kiana Johnson’s last day as a scholarship firefighter. She has accepted a job with the Tacoma Fire Department. We will miss her laugh and hard work ethic but wish her the best in her career.
Congratulations & Farewell to Firefighter Bourque
January 7, 2018 was Spencer Bourque’s last shift with us. He has accepted a job with Renton Fire Department. Spencer was a scholarship Firefighter for us and his sense of humor and hard work will be missed. We wish you the best in your career.
Bon Voyage
Engineer Evan Kressly and Engineer Blayde Briske graduated from UAF in May. Unfortunately this meant they had completed the Steese Scholarship program and were off to start their careers. The Department will miss their presence, leadership and hard work. Good luck guys!
Goodbye Engineer Morey
It is with great pride and a little sadness that we announce that Engineer Ian Morey has been offered, and accepted, a Firefighter position with Atlanta Fire Rescue. Ian’s last shift with us was on October 6th and he will report to the Atlanta Fire Academy on Thursday October 20. Ian is a great employee and we know he is going to have a great career, you will be missed.