Fire Chief Western has been with Mormon Lake Fire since February 2018.  He holds an AAS in Fire Science, a BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management. He is currently a Part-Time Faculty member in the Fire and EMS program at Coconino Community College.

Chief Western is a seasoned fire service executive with 30+ years of leadership across Arizona fire districts, EMS systems, emergency management, and higher education. Adept at organizational governance, statewide coordination, legislative engagement, and strategic planning. Known for building strong partnerships with chiefs, tribal communities, state agencies, and public safety stakeholders. Dedicated to advancing Arizona’s fire service through advocacy, leadership development, and unified statewide initiatives.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Modernized district policies, training, and compliance with NFPA, OSHA, and state standards.
• Strengthen regional partnerships with county, state, and federal agencies.
• Directed EMS QA/QI, Base Hospital liaison, and medical operations.
• Expanded community education and maintained ASHI Training Center

CERTIFICATIONS:

• ICS 100–400, 700, 800
• Firefighter I, II, III
• Fire Officer I (Pro Board)
• Fire Inspector I/II
• Incident Safety Officer (Pro Board)
• Health & Safety Officer
• HazMat Technician
• AFCA Regional Battalion Chiefs Academy Graduate
• AFCA CEO Program Graduate
• NREMT & Arizona Paramedic

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLES

• Assistant Fire Chief – Mormon Lake Fire District
• Hospital Corpsman 2 – U.S. Navy Reserve
• Battalion Captain / Paramedic – Regional Fire & Rescue Department
• Paramedic Supervisor – San Carlos Indian Community
• Captain / Paramedic – Gila River Indian Community
• Flight Paramedic – Reva Air & Native Air Ambulance
• Training Manager – Southwest Ambulance