Names in the News: August 7, 2022

MIKE CAVEN has been named the new Chief of the Eugene-Springfield (OR) Fire Department (ESFD). He replaces the acting head of the ESFD, Scott Cockrum, who had held the position since November 2021. Caven has been a member of the ESFD for 15 years who most recently served as the department’s deputy chief of operations. He also served in the ESFD as a Battalion Commander, Captain, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer and Instructor. Prior to joining the ESFD, he served with the South Lane County (OR) Fire and Rescue Department from 2002-2007 as a Firefighter/Paramedic and Acting Captain and as President of the Firefighters Union Lane IAFF 851 professionals.

HUGH BRUDER was selected as the new chief of the Boynton Beach (FL) Fire Department (BBFRD) on August 4. He is a 42-year fire service veteran who served as Acting Chief of the BBFRD. Bruder joined the department in 2020 and helped with a reorganization intended to put more firefighters in the field. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Bruder also facilitated grant writing for a new fireboat, EMS equipment, and critical emergency communications infrastructure for the department.

DEBBIE CARPENTER has been named the new Spirit Lake (ID) Fire Protection District Chief (SLFPD). She replaces former SLFPD chief John DeBernardi, who retired after a 37-year career in the fire service. Carpenter began her career in the fire department in 1995 with Carrollton (TX) Fire Rescue, where she rose through the ranks from firefighter to assistant chief. She has also served as a camp counselor with the Parkland (TX) Burn Camp and on committees and projects with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Carpenter also teaches courses on ethics in fire departments across the country.

DUSTIN MARTIN has been named the new Chief of the Cameron Park (CA) Fire Department (CPFD). He replaces the outgoing head of the CPFD, Sherry Morantz, who left office at the end of May. Martin began his fire service career when he joined CAL Fire’s Shasta Range Unit as a firefighter trainee at Burney Station in 1999. He later joined CAL Fire’s Amador-El Dorado Unit in 2006 and became a fire captain at Cal Fire Station El Dorado 43 in 2010. He is also assigned to McClellan Air Tanker Base, where he had worked with the program since its inception in 2008.

CHAD MCCARTHY was unanimously selected as the new chief of the North Conway (NH) Fire Department (NCFD) on August 2. He replaces former NCFD chief Pat Preece, who retired July 6 after 35 years with the department. McCarthy has served for the past eight years as Deputy Chief of the NCFD. He began his career as a firefighter in 1990 with the Redstone (NH) Fire Department. McCarthy then joined the Madison (NH) Fire Department before joining the NCFD in 1995. In 2012, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for bravery by the New Hampshire Fire Academy Merit Committee in response to the Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.