FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2019
Contact: Mayor Lioneld Jordan
Office of the Mayor
479-575-8330
mayor@fayetteville-ar.gov
Mayor Jordan Appoints Brad Hardin as New Fire Chief
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Mayor Lioneld Jordan has appointed Assistant Fire Chief Brad Hardin to serve as Fayetteville’s new Fire Department Chief starting today. Chief Hardin replaces David Dayringer, who retired in June. Hardin’s successor as assistant fire chief of support services will be an internal candidate; testing and selection will occur in August.
Chief Hardin began his career with the Fayetteville Fire Department in 2000, serving the community for almost two decades. He has held every rank in the fire department including firefighter, driver, captain, battalion chief and assistant chief. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the department’s internal logistics and the city of Fayetteville.
“I am very pleased that Brad Hardin accepted the appointment to fire chief. His calm demeanor, leadership skills, and dedication to our firefighters were all factors in my selection,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan. “I know he will continue to expand the City’s diversity recruitment and exceptional training programs. I’m particularly interested in his ideas for measuring our resources and how the department can maximize service to our residents, students and businesses.”
Chief Hardin’s unique passion for fire service is answering “why” and includes collecting and analyzing data. He is a published author with research focusing on how fire departments evaluate services provided to their customers. His research has received national recognition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been instrumental in developing a new standard of measure for the Fayetteville Fire Department. His talents helped create the fire department’s $15+ million voter-approved bond package necessary to keep pace with the City’s growth. Chief Hardin will oversee the execution of bond projects which includes building three new fire houses and adding two fire engines and a ladder truck.
Chief Hardin stated he was very thankful for mentoring he received from the former Fayetteville Fire Chief, David Dayringer. “He saw something in me I didn’t even know existed. Over the past decade he poured his heart and soul into our department. Through his efforts I developed a desire to serve at the executive level,” said Hardin. “I am honored the Mayor believed in me and is willing to give me the opportunity to serve. I care deeply about our firefighters and residents. I look forward to continuing to serve our city.”
Chief Hardin has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arkansas and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy. Hardin has served as a school board member, holding the positions of secretary, vice president and president. He is active in the regional, state and international fire chiefs’ associations. In June, Governor Asa Hutchinson reappointed Hardin to serve on the Arkansas Firefighter Benefit Review Panel; he was first appointed in 2015.
To learn more about the Fayetteville Fire Department, including how to become a firefighter, visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/fire.
###