Operational Officer Realignment

Fire Chief Michael Poetker and President Michael O’Brien are excited to announce Operational Officer changes for the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department.  “Our members make a tremendous sacrifice to serve and the donation of their precious time is what keeps our organization going,” says President O’Brien.  “The Leadership of this organization is second to none and the recent changes only bolster that cadre while offering new opportunities for our members to grow – most importantly it allows them to share their experiences with others – that is how Morningside remains so dynamic” says Chief Poetker.

The MVFD recently announced the following promotions:

1.) Andre Edwards was promoted to Captain of the Engine Company.  Andre brings lots of experience with him, he was appointed to and served at the busiest Engine Company in the United States while employed as a Career Firefighter.  He also has served as a Company Commander and that experience will not only improve the operational performance of our members but allow him to aid in their career development.

2.) Danny Rae was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the Station Command.  Danny has been a live-in at the MVFD for a number of years and has become a rock solid day-to-day leader on the floor.  He previously served as the Engine Company Sergeant and focused his development in hydraulics, the advancement of hose lines, extinguishment of fires, knowledge of SOGs and other policies, leadership and instruction.

3.) Lucas Oblander was promoted to the rank of Fire Sergeant and assigned to the Squad Command.  Lucas brings a tremendous amount of energy and commitment to the MVFD.  He has served with distinction in the EMS Command and is in the process of completing his Paramedic Certification.  Lucas has been serving as a fill-in suppression officer when opportunities have allowed and has done a great job – with his love of ropes and knots and desire to learn he will be a tremendous asset to the MVFD and the Squad Command.

4.) Ram Braza was promoted to the rank of EMS Sergeant and assigned to the EMS Command.  Ram is an extremely dedicated individual that is highly motivated to serve.  He is obtaining higher education and still finds time to commit to our community, he has taken the required training to perform as an EMT and emergency vehicle operator and now will focus on becoming a mentor to others.  Ram desires to expand his service commitment and enter into the United States Armed Forces and possess great moral character.

5.)  Lauren Gray was promoted to the rank of EMS Sergeant and assigned to the EMS Command.  Lauren is a Registered Nurse and has obtained her BSN.  She is a wonderful addition to the EMS Command and has been working with our members as an Electronic Patient Care Report reviewer.  Lauren is committed to the MVFD and our community and we look forward to her enhancement of our EMS Command and assisting with our Quality Assurance, Documentation, and overall Operational Performance.

6.) Timmothy Duffy was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Station Command.  Tim was a live-in and continues to donate a lot of his time to the MVFD and our community.  He is a driver operator of all the apparatus and previously served as the Ambulance Technician.  Tim will now focus his growth in the area of leadership, policy, and management of people and resources.  This will be a new challenge for him, but we are confident that he will do well.

The MVFD is extremely proud of all of the men and women who have served in prior operational leadership capacities and thanks them for all of their efforts.  We feel these changes will continue the perpetual success of our organization and its members.  We would like to stress that some of these members are relatively new to our department, however, their life experiences places them into a different class. We are not bound by seniority as our deciding factor in leadership selection, we are constantly evaluating experience, performance, and opportunities as they present themselves.  There are more opportunities for those that are looking, will you take a chance and make a change?

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