The Russellville Fire Department - Administration

Chief of Department John Cochran
Chief Cochran started his fire service career with the Russellville Fire Department in July 1978. During the period between 1978 and 1995 he served for a total of 17 years with the department rising to the rank of Captain and in 1990 was appointed Fire Marshal. Beginning in 1995 he worked at the national level including serving eight years as a Fire Management Specialist with the U.S. Fire Administration, an entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In February of 2007 he returned to his hometown when appointed to his current position as Fire Chief. He holds a bachelor degree in Public and Municipal Fire Administration from Memphis State University.

Assistant Chief/Training Officer Doug Lewis
Battalion Chief Doug Lewis was hired in 1993 as a firefighter with the Russellville Fire Department. In 1995, he was promoted to Lieutenant. As a lieutenant, Chief Lewis became a member of the Special Operations Team. His specialty includes confined space and high angle rescue, in which he and a team of instructors also provide training to local industry. Chief Lewis is a member of NASAR (National Association for Search and Rescue). In 1997, he became certified as a Hazardous Materials Technician. He is also a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. Chief Lewis is married to his wife, Nikki and has one son, Dalton.

Battalion Chief Brent Hamm - Platoon "A"
Chief Hamm began his career as a Russellville firefighter in October 1992. He was promoted to Driver in September 1994 and Captain in April 2000. He has been in the current position of Battalion Chief of “A” Shift since July 2006. Chief Hamm received his Paramedic certification in 2000, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Arkansas Tech University.

Battalion Chief Kirk Slone - Platoon "B"
Chief Slone began his career as a Russellville firefighter in May of 1992. In 1994, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 2000, he was promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief of “B” Shift. Chief Slone holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science/Biology from Arkansas Tech University and is currently working to complete a degree in Emergency Administration and Management.

Battalion Chief Aaron Petty - Platoon "C"
Chief Petty began his career as a Russellville firefighter in 1994. He was promoted to Driver in 2000 and Captain in 2006. He has been in the current position of Battalion Chief of “C” Shift since 2009. Chief Petty received his Paramedic certification in 1998, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Administration and Management from Arkansas Tech University.

Learn about how you can have a Firefighting Career.