Rural Metro Fire appointed Melissa Hilpert, the first female fire chief in their 75-year history, to head up Rural Metro Fire Yuma, AZ, operations.
Hilpert will assume oversight and operations of all of Rural Metro stations in Yuma effective this month, according to a press release from Rural Metro Fire.
"I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment at being named Chief for our Yuma operations," Hilpert said." I am fortunate that with very few exceptions, I have always been supported by my peers and leadership to take my career in any direction I was willing to go. As a woman, I feel it’s important to let other women know that there can only be a barrier to their success if they allow one."
Hilpert is a 22-year veteran with Rural Metro who began her career as a reserve firefighter and EMT in 2000. During her career she has served as a paramedic firefighter, wildland firefighter, crew boss, rescue diver, EMS captain, EMS chief and assistant fire chief.
"We are incredibly pleased to see Melissa step into this next role with Rural Metro," said Brian Davis, National Fire Chief of Community Operations for Rural Metro Fire. "We are confident that she will bring many years of vision for the future to our Yuma operations."
