The Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department has hired Brent Schafer to serve as the department’s newest fire chief, effective Nov. 18.
Schafer, who has been a member of the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department for 24 years, replaces Chris Adkins, who announced his retirement last month after serving 27 years in the fire service, including 20 years in the cities’ jointly operated fire department, the last six of which as its fire chief.
The department’s board of directors, the joint fire department composed of appointees from the two Campbell County cities, hired Schafer. Joe Neary, chairman of the fire department’s board of directors, said the board considered applications from six candidates, including three applicants from outside Kentucky, and concluded that Schafer was the best choice to replace Adkins.
“Brent has been an integral part of the growth of the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department, rising up the ranks through his service and dedication to our community,” said Neary. “The board chose the best candidate to fill the shoes of retiring Chief Chris Adkins, and we are confident Brent will carry on the professionalism and strong legacy of our fire department.”
Schafer, a resident of Alexandria and graduate of Campbell County High School, served as a captain/medic EMS coordinator in the department before being named interim fire chief on Oct. 26. He is a certified firefighter and paramedic who has worked in the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department since 2000.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next fire chief of the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department,” Schafer said. “Having served my entire career in this fire department, I am passionate about serving and protecting our community. I understand our distinctive and developing community, its leadership, logistics, and families, and I will give 110% to be the best I can be in my new role and to make our fire department the best it can be.”