Pantex firefighters receive special designations

Congratulations to Pantex firefighters (from left) Josh Brown, Jeremy Baker, and Kris Hickman who have received Fire Officers credentials from the Center for Public Service Excellence.

Three Pantex fire captains — Josh Brown, Kris Hickman, and Jeremy Baker —are proudly displaying new professional designations from the Center for Public Service Excellence.

Brown, Baker, and Hickman received their Fire Officers credentials, while Scott Johnson and Mike Brock have both renewed their Chief Fire Officer designations.

These new designations reflect their experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, and technical competence. It means they have officially met the high standards set by the center, reaching a level of performance excellence that is uncommon throughout the United States. To date, nationwide there are only 1,554 Chief Fire Officers and 560 Fire Officers. Locally, the city of Amarillo has one Chief Fire Officer and no Fire Officers.

“The standards for Fire Officer and Chief Fire Officer designations are over and above any state certifications that any firefighter at Pantex has already earned,” said Pantex Fire Chief Mike Brock.

Professional credentials for its firefighters are an important part of the Pantex Fire Department’s focus on meeting or exceeding its readiness requirements. The department participates in regular internal and external reviews of its compliance with federal and industry regulations, including a Department of Energy-required baseline needs assessment every 3 years that’s used to evaluate if the fire department’s staff, training, and equipment are ready respond to the site’s fire hazards.

Scott Johnson with Pantex Fire Department

Chief Mike Brock displays his Chief Fire Officer Credentials