I am incredibly proud to be part of the Edwardsville Fire Department. I started in the fire service in 1993 with the Williamson County Fire Protection District and was hired at EFD in 1996 where I have operated as a Paramedic, Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Chief and now Fire Chief. During this time I have seen the Fire Department and the Community substantially grow from a small town into the vibrant community it is today. As the Fire Chief, I am committed to providing the best service possible to our citizens.

I believe that prevention is more valuable than response and I am proud that EFD is so proactive. Over the years, the mission of the fire service at large has grown to include a broad array of public safety specialties. The Edwardsville Fire Department has kept pace and now provides a wide range of services to the Community. These include fire suppression, emergency medical response with a full transport ambulance service, along with a broad range of technical rescue specialties including vehicle and machinery extrication, hazardous materials response, high angle rope rescue, below grade trench rescue, confined space rescue, and ice and surface water rescue. Additionally, the Fire Department provides plan review and field inspections for new construction along with life safety inspections of existing commercial occupancies. The Department is also active in prevention by hosting public education trainings such as CPR, AED, Stop the Bleed, fire extinguisher use and our community smoke detector program.

Looking ahead I am excited for the changes I see coming, as the Community continues to grow the Fire Department will be faced with new challenges and new opportunities to serve. I have dedicated my career to public safety and I will continue to look for new ways to protect our community moving forward.

Respectfully in your service,

James Whiteford, Edwardsville Fire Chief