FIRE CHIEF EMERITUS
Fire Chief Richard "Rick" Beaman
Fire Chief Beaman holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health & Safety as well as an Associate Degree in Fire Science. He is certified as Fire Officer IV, Instructor II, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, , Technical Rescue Specialist, NAUI Rescue Diver, an Ag.Rescue Specialist, NIMS/ICS Instructor and many other speciality area mastery level certifications. He began his career in public service in the US Navy. After completing basic training in San Diego CA, he was assigned to Naval Submarine Base New London (Connecticut) and then assigned to the Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet - San Diego aboard the USS Louisville SSN 724 attached to the Kitty Hawk Battle Group where he achieved his subsurface warfare certification. In addition to his normal duties on the submarine Chief Beaman volunteered to lead the ships Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT) and helped the USS Louisville win 3 consecutive Battle “E” awards.
It is important to note he is a proud second generation Firefighter following the footsteps of his Mother. It was during his time, as a volunteer firefighter, that Chief Beaman recognized his passion and commitment for the Fire Service and the need for better funding, training, and community-oriented services. With his passion ever-growing and the drive to serve others Chief Beaman began dedicating nearly all his free time to educating himself and others within the department. As the once, tiny, rural department began to grow and expand the services they provided to the citizens they served Chief Beaman moved through the ranks from firefighter/EMT to Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and ultimately Fire Chief. As Fire Chief Beaman refused to stop growing the department. He led the effort to consolidate two small neighboring departments (Lytton Springs VFD and Niederwald VFD) into one more efficient, full-service, department. Following the merger Chief Beaman was honored to be named the first Fire Chief of Chisholm Trail Fire Rescue. After some years relocated to Kyle, Texas where he obtained a career Deputy Fire Chief’s position growing the agency from only two full time positions to over 70 volunteer and 25 career Firefighter, EMT and Paramedics until his retirement in 2013. Today he continues his commitment in service to others by serving as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Austin Texas. Chief Beaman has spent countless hours, assisted with numerous resources and demonstrating an unwavering loyalty to assisting Lake Jericho Fire & Rescue with its continued ongoing success. He truly is one that embraces the philosophy and continues to carry the torch of commitment to progression by way of adhering to Honesty, Integrity and Loyalty. It is for all these attributes and so many others that he was bestowed the honor of being named the first Fire Chief Emeritus award by the proud men and women of the Lake Jericho Fire & Rescue Department. |