Meet the chiefs
Chief Jerry Harnish – Knox County, Tn
Jerry Harnish entered the fire service as a volunteer while completing his undergraduate degree at Emory & Henry College in Virginia. During that time, he also completed training and certified as an EMT. After graduation in 1980, he joined Rural Metro full-time in its Knox County operation…
Chief Melissa Hilpert – Yuma County, Az
Chief Hilpert began her career with Rural Metro Fire as a reserve firefighter and EMT in 2000. In her tenure, she has also served as a certified paramedic firefighter, wildland firefighter, crew boss, rescue diver, EMS captain, EMS chief and assistant fire chief. A 22-year veteran of Rural Metro, Hilpert is….
Chief Karl Isselhard – Pima County Az
Chief Isselhard is a 26-year veteran of the Fire Service and is currently the Fire Chief for Rural Metro Fire Department in Pima county, AZ. This operation serves numerous unincorporated communities in Pima County, including Catalina Foothills, the Town of Sahuarita, and the following four fire districts: Hidden…
Chief Tim Soule – Central Arizona Operations
Chief Tim Soule is the Fire Chief for Rural Metro Fire Central Arizona operations, including unincorporated areas in both Maricopa and Pinal counties. Chief Soule is a career fire safety professional having worked with volunteer, combination, municipal and subscription fire, and EMS…
Chief Allen Ward – Specialty Division Regional Director, Command Fire Chief
Chief Allen Ward provides oversight and support to the onsite leadership and personnel. Mr. Ward is our Specialty Fire Division’s Regional Director/Command Fire Chief. He also functions as our Project Director for our operations. He is qualified to provide expert knowledge and direction in all areas of ARFF and Emergency Services. He is committed to continuously improving services and as a result, remains an on-call and ready resource…
Chief Steve Nelson – Josephine County
Chief Steve Nelson is a distinguished fire service professional who began his career in 1982 as a cadet and volunteer firefighter in Jacksonville, Oregon, before joining Rural Metro Fire in 1988. He assumed command of Rural Metro Fire Josephine County on April 3, 2023, following his promotion…