FORT WAYNE, IND., June 16, 2014 –City Clerk Sandy Kennedy and Fort Wayne Fire Department’s (FWFD) Fire Chief Eric Lahey promoted the following firefighters to their new command positions
Elbert Starks, Assistant Chief of Human Relations;
Paul Veldman, Assistant Chief of Training;
Jerome Gaines, Assistant Chief of Operations
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 3:30 p.m. today.
Elbert Starks is a 17-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. As Assistant Chief of Human Relations, Starks will be responsible for the liability aspect of the department associated with personnel records, policies and procedures, merit commission, internal investigations and contract negotiations.
Prior to his appointment, Starks served as a Captain in the FWFD’s Combat Division and received multiple commendations. He also worked at Parkview Regional Medical Center as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Currently, Starks is completing is Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health.
Paul Veldman was sworn in as Assistant Chief of Training. In his new position, Veldman will be responsible for the operations of the Fort Wayne Fire Department Division of Training including the planning and implementation of all training programs for the department relating to fire service and EMS. Additionally, as the Academy staff supervisor, Veldman will oversee recruitment and hiring of future FWFD members, as well as manage their instruction and completion of the academy curriculum.
An 18-year veteran of the FWFD, Veldman most recently served as Captain in the Combat Division. He has also served multiple years on the Water Rescue Team, Special Operations Response Team, Honor Guard and the Hazardous Materials Team.
Prior to joining the FWFD, Veldman served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army 1st Ranger Battalion, and Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard 1/293.
A 30-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Fire Department, Jerome Gaines was sworn in as Assistant Chief of Operations. He has served in many capacities, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Shift Commander. Gaines holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University and has graduated from the National Fire Academy Arson Investigation Program, the Allen County, Ind., Police Academy and the National Fire Academy Chief Officer Leadership Program.
Gaines will serve only a short time as Assistant Chief of Operations. Gaines learned soon after this appointment was made he was selected as the new Fire Chief of the Tallahassee Fire Department. Chief Gaines will retire from the FWFD at the end of the month.
