The Topeka Fire Department is pleased to recognize the following individuals on their promotions and retirements. As we continue to face the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, employees are having to navigate a new normal in order to get the job done. Between learning and implementing new safety precautions, managing family needs and more, it’s a tough time for everyone – which is why it’s important to express our appreciation to our first responders. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Promotion and Retirement ceremonies have been postponed indefinitely.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to these individuals for their hard work and dedication in providing essential services to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Fire Chief Craig Duke. “Their sacrifice, determination and perseverance are admirable contributions to the Topeka Fire Department”.
Below is a list of retirements and promotions for the Topeka Fire Department:
RETIREMENTS
February 2020
Zachary L. Bottenberg, Investigator III – 24 years
March 2020
Captain David D. Owen – 32 years
Captain Claude E. Clark – 32 years
Captain Michael L. Claassen – 31 years
Captain Robert S. Williams – 28 years
Captain Jerome A. Benning – 28 years
Captain Thomas D. Wolfley – 31 years
June 2020
Captain Michelle M. Radmacher – 20 years
July 2020
Captain James J. Simpson – 24 years
August 2020
Exzetta Steele Accounting Specialist III – 29 years
September 2020
Deputy Chief Kelly R. Adams – 34 years
PROMOTIONS
January 2020
Advanced Firefighter
Matthew J. Conner
Brandon J. Wenger
Macon J. Ezell
Matthew M. Gromer
John G. Bills
Chase D. Labrador
Joshua L. Osborn
Firefighter 2nd Class
Coty R. Freiss
Cory A. Petit
James D. Klepees
Brooks W. McClane
Thomas N. Treantafeles
February 2020
Fire Inspector II Chadwick J. Holthaus promoted to Fire Inspector III
Fire Inspector II Adam J. Appelhanz promoted to Fire Inspector III
March 2020
Shift Commander Ty D. Christian promoted to Division Chief of Operations
Battalion Chief Melvin D. Bouton promoted to Shift Commander
April 2020
Lieutenant Prentiss J. Rice Jr. promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Michael D. Stapleton promoted to Captain
Lieutenant William C. Miller promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Jeffery R. Reynolds promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Keith J. Czechanski promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Mark D. Johnson promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Ryan R. Gay promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator John R. Crites promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Robert D. Forman promoted Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Brian J. Flott promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Nathan D. Hibbert promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Daniel J. Jacobs promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Jesse B. Moyer promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Nathan W. Decker promoted to Apparatus Operator
April 2020
Advanced Firefighter Dustin J. Howbert promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Kyle A. Hamilton promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Austin L. McClane promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Gabriel M. Schultz promoted to Apparatus Operator
New Hires
Firefighter 3rd Class
Tyler A. Abernathy
Kaleb D. Chockley
Chelsea D. Foster
Jonah M. Domann
Jacob M. Gardner
Mitchell A. Ridder
Cole E. Searles
May 2020
Battalion Chief Todd A. Harrison promoted to Fire Marshal
Firefighter 1st Class
Jeremy A. Steimel
John K. Bentler
Craig A. Stevenson
Jacob W. Pera
June 2020
Lieutenant Robert R. Aurner III promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Chad R. Swift promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Christopher R. Reece promoted to Apparatus Operator
July 2020
Captain Alan J. McKenzie promoted to Battalion Chief
August 2020
Lieutenant Ty C. Forshee promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Travis J. Thompson promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Charles A. Ridder promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Joshua M. Mayer promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Chance W. Boyle promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Zachary R. Bradford promoted to Apparatus Operator