Brian Seymour always dreamed of being a firefighter. As Indianola Fire Chief, he has reached the pinnacle of that dream.
Seymour took over the position 1½ years ago from longtime fire chief Dean Hutt. Although he had been a full-time firefighter in Indianola for only two months, he had volunteered on the force since 1989. Before becoming fire chief, he worked as the Director of Ambulance Services for Clarke County in Osceola for nine years.
As fire chief, Seymour oversees both the Emergency Medical Service and fire operations for the city and 125 square miles of the county. Besides various administrative duties including budgets and personnel, Seymour makes sure fire codes for commercial properties are enforced and followed and reviews new construction and plans. Hes also the man to see for information on burning permits, if an organization wants a firefighter to speak to their group often Seymour himself will speak - or for complaints. And he responds to several calls each week.
The roots of firefighting run deep for Seymour. His dad, a charter member of the Martensdale Fire Department, planted the seed. He joined the Martensdale department while still in high school.
Fire service has been my life and my dream, Seymour said. The job is different every day. Theres never the same call; the challenges are there, but theyre different each time.
Despite his busy schedule, Seymour manages to find time for hot air ballooning with his wife Chris and their 15-month-old son, Joe. He has competed in the National Balloon Classic since 1992.
To visit the Fire Department web site, click here.
