MITCH RANDLES, JOPLIN'S NEW FIRE CHIEF
City Manager Mark Rohr announced recently that Mitch Randles has been selected as the Joplin Fire Chief. Randles will assume this position immediately. He had been serving as Interim Fire Chief after former Chief Gary Trulson left the position on August 3, 2010, to move closer to his family in Wisconsin.
Randles brings 25 years' experience in safety services holding various positions including assistant chief, fire marshal, fire captain and driver/engineer, firefighter/paramedic and emergency medical services coordinator. As assistant chief for the past six years he was responsible for daily administration of Joplin's 80 personnel fire department. He also managed numerous department projects including the purchase of fire apparatus and budget management.
"Mitch is extremely qualified for this position," said Rohr. "In his interim role, he was responsible for the fire suppression and scene management of the Oxford Park Apartments. His experience was evident during that event. Mitch has a positive attitude and possesses strong leadership qualities making him the right choice for the position."
Randles holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Missouri Southern State University. He recently completed the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and is a licensed paramedic. He is a member of International Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Marshal Association of Missouri.
Randles has been with the city of Joplin for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, for 13 years he worked for Newton County Ambulance District as a field paramedic. He got his start in fire service as a volunteer firefighter with the Duenweg Volunteer Fire Department.
"I am looking forward to serving in this position," said Randles "We are currently in the design phase of a new fire station to serve the southwestern portion of Joplin. This is an exciting time, as Joplin continues to grow, our department is proud to meet the needs as they develop."
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