Siloam Springs has moved to fill the spot that will be left by Fire Chief Greg Neely when he retires at the end of July.
On Tuesday, June 21, the Board of Directors retired to an executive session in order to consider Jeremey Criner for the position of Fire Chief. When they returned to public session, Criner was unanimously approved by the six directors in attendance, with Director Carol Smiley absent.
"Jeremey is a very well-credentialed young man," Neely said."He did extremely well in the interview process and impressed everyone with his skill set and his demeanor."
Criner is currently the Assistant Fire Chief in Sunrise Beach, Mo. He is familiar with Northwest Arkansas, having worked in the Rogers Fire Department for nine years before going to Missouri. Criner also grew up in Harrison and Mountain Home.
Criner said he is excited to get to live and work in Siloam Springs.
"We're people who like to get involved in the community," he said. "I'm glad for the opportunity."
Criner hopes to move into Siloam Springs by mid-July, when he will start working with Neely. He will bring with him his wife Kim, son Tate and daughter Kylie.
The start date will allow Criner to work with Neely and get introduced to the department for two weeks before Neely leaves.
In 2003, Criner volunteered as a firefighter in Cave Springs, then got his Associate's Degree from Northwest Arkansas Community College in applied fire science administration and his Bachelor's Degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University.
"What impresses me with the fire department is the level of leadership they've had, the potential for moving forward and some of the things we'll be able to accomplish," Criner said. "I'm glad I got the opportunity, I thank (City Administrator Phillip) Patterson, look forward to the opportunity."
General News on 06/26/2016