Chief John Tippett has accepted the position of Deputy Chief of Operations for the Charleston (S.C.) Fire Department. Tippett, a member of the FireRescue Editorial Board, has been a battalion chief for the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Service for the past 7 years, and project manager for the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System since 2004.
This new role holds particular significance in light of the myriad changes occurring in Charleston following the tragic events of June 18, 2007, when nine firefighters were killed during a massive fire at the Sofa Super Store. FireRescue spoke with Tippett about his new position.
FireRescue: Why did you accept this position?
John Tippett: I have a tremendous respect for Chief Tom Carr. He was an excellent leader when he was chief of Montgomery County. I’ve also met a number of Charleston firefighters over the last 2 years and found them to be great people. I was preparing my retirement plans from Montgomery County when the opportunity to work with Chief Carr again in Charleston presented itself. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
FRM: What will the position entail?
JT: The position is one of two deputy chief positions recommended by the Routley report. My primary responsibilities will include working with the chiefs of the Operations, Training and Safety divisions to ensure firefighters have what they need to protect the citizens and visitors of Charleston.
FRM: How do you think your experience will help the Charleston Fire Department, especially in light of the Sofa Super Store Fire 2 years ago?
JT: I’ve been very fortunate to have been a firefighter and officer in a system [Montgomery County] that was in a constant state of change and evolution. The firefighters and officers I’ve spoken to in Charleston have told me their department is undergoing a change situation they’ve never experienced before. I think my experience can benefit the changes they are undergoing. The other projects I’ve been involved in outside of Montgomery County, like Near Miss, have given me a rare opportunity to visit dozens of fire departments. The lessons I’ve learned from each of those departments will be helpful in melding the best of the Charleston Fire Department with new ideas I’ve picked up from other departments.
FRM: How will your role in the National Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System change?
JT: My responsibilities as the Operations Deputy Chief will take precedence over Near Miss. Chief Carr and IAFC Executive Director Mark Light are supportive of me continuing to participate in the Near Miss Program, but my participation will have to be curtailed.
Tippett adds that he’s very aware that this opportunity comes as a result of an enormous tragedy. “I’m looking forward to the new challenges and responsibilities, but know that every step we take has to be taken in memory of the nine firefighters who lost their lives at the Sofa Super Store Fire,” he says.
