Columbus Fire Department Announces Promotions

Columbus Fire Department Announces Promotions

The Columbus Fire Department recently completed a promotional process for the positions of Battalion Chief, Lieutenant and Training Officer. These officer positions became available following two retirements and one reassignment request. Twenty-one letter of intent requests were received through the Executive Chief’s Office. All officer candidates were interviewed by the department’s Executive Board of Chiefs. A tactical evaluation assessment and performance evaluation was conducted for each candidate. The Columbus Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of these officers.

 

Captain Jeff Cain has been promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. Battalion Chief Cain has been assigned to serve as the department’s C-Shift Battalion Chief Commander. Battalion Chief Cain will command the C-Shift Battalion, which includes 30 firefighters throughout the department’s six fire stations. The Columbus Fire Department operates three twenty-four hour shifts designated as A, B and C.

Battalion Chief Cain’s previously held ranks include Lieutenant and Captain. Cain, who had held the rank of Captain since 2016, will assume his position immediately. Battalion Chief Cain is a 24 year veteran of the department with certifications including; Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, and is aircraft rescue-firefighter certified. Battalion Chief Cain was promoted following the retirement of Battalion Chief Dan Cleland, whose official retirement date is April 1, 2019. Cleland retired with thirty years of service with the department.

 

 

 

Private Aaron Eichel has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Eichel has been assigned to Station # 1 Lieutenant of C-Shift. As the Station # 1 Lieutenant, Eichel will be utilized as a truck company and engine company officer whose duties include emergency operations response, company training, planning, and logistics and clerical support for the C-Shift Battalion.

Lieutenant Eichel has served as a City of Columbus Firefighter since 2006. Lieutenant Eichel holds several certifications including;  Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Safety Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician and Swift Water Rescue Technician. Lieutenant Eichel was promoted following the retirement of Lieutenant Rick Chatham, who retired on March 1, 2019. Chatham retired with thirty-four years of service with the department.

 

 

 

Private Benjamin Spencer has been promoted to the rank of Captain as the department’s Training Officer. Captain Spencer will oversee fire department training programs and coordinate training at the City’s public safety training facility, which is currently under construction.

Captain Spencer joined the Columbus Fire Department in 2013.  Captain Spencer’s certifications include; Instructor II-III, Paramedic, Safety Officer, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I , Fire Inspector II, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician and Swift Water Rescue Technician.

Captain Spencer was promoted to Training Officer following a request for reassignment by previous Training Officer, Captain Dave Dwyer. Captain Dwyer has serves as the department’s Training Officer since 2015, and previously held this position from 1992 to 1996.  Captain Dwyer has been assigned to the fire suppression division as Station # 2 Captain of A-Shift. Captain Spencer will assume the role of Training Officer immediately.