Please welcome John Buchan as our new Fire Chief!
Chief Buchan's passion for firefighting took root at an early age through a local explorer program. At 18 and after moving to Arkansas, he became a certified firefighter. He would then be hired by the Pine Bluff Fire Department full-time, where he earned numerous awards and citations for valor and life-saving rescues.
In 2013, Chief Buchan joined the internationally accredited Springdale Fire Department, receiving their highest honor a year later for rescuing a civilian from a house fire. Springdale is in the top 1% of all advanced life support fire departments nationwide.
He was the state's first volunteer recruitment and retention officer and most recently helped build the Tontitown Fire Department. Under his leadership, the department grew to 35 members while implementing $8 million in capital improvements and a $1.5 million annual budget.
Beyond his firefighting roles, Chief Buchan has served as an instructor with the Arkansas Fire Academy, a County Constable, and a member of the National Incident Management Southern Area Red Team. His credentials include certifications from the National Fire Academy in firefighting, driver operations, company officer, EMT, hazmat, rescue, incident command, and instruction.
Chief Buchan has been deployed to wildfires across the country and the largest wildfires in California and Louisiana history. Other major events he has been involved with include hurricane Katrina, several destructive tornadoes, and 2 major flood responses.
Joining him will be his wife, Regina, and daughters, Camryn and Ella. Though his sons, Kyle and Gavin, and granddaughter will not be relocating, Chief Buchan's family ties are an important part of his life and career journey.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me and my family to work and live in one of hte most beautiful areas of the country."
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