The Town of Marion, in partnership with Smyth County, announced that the top two candidates in a nationwide search had been selected to head up Marion Fire/EMS.
Former Marion Volunteer Fire Department Chief and current Marion Police Department Lt. Rusty Hamm has accepted the newly created position as full-time Chief of Marion Fire EMS. Hamm brings two decades of service to the community, including leadership and organizational skills acquired through the FBI Academy.
Rickard Keesling, a long- time member of Marion Volunteer Fire Department and current part time chief has accepted the position as Deputy Chief, overseeing operations of the department, utilizing his skills, training and knowledge of fire ground and emergency operations.
“We are pleased that these two candidates emerged as our top candidates out of twenty-two that applied from across the US,” said Marion Vice-Mayor Dr. James Gates. “This will help us as we continue to grow and serve Marion and the surrounding community to provide quality fire and emergency services well into the future, and we are proud to have Smyth County working hand-in-hand with us as we embark upon this new chapter of service.”
Marion hires Fire/EMS chief, deputy chief
