2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Bryan E. Newberry

Bryan E. Newberry, a former U.S. Marine and a current assistant fire chief, already has accomplished a great deal in his 31 years, largely because he enjoys his work.

“I am sincere and devoted to serving the public and loving my job,” said Newberry, who works for the Nixa Fire Protection District.

He first joined the district in 1992, at the age of 16. He served as a cadet until he left to join the Marines, which he served until 1999.

“Becoming a U.S. Marine was a challenge,” he said. “Less than 10 percent of Americans get the opportunity to serve with the title; this is why I chose the Marines.”

Since returning from the Marines, Newberry has served in various positions in the Nixa fire district, earning Officer of the Year honors in 2003 and 2005.

“As an assistant chief, I respond, as needed, to all structural fires, hazardous materials, rescue or unique alarms,” he said. “Many times, I command large-scale incidents.”

Among his other accomplishments, Newberry was accepted into the Executive Fire Officer Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Fire Administration National Fire Academy. “Acceptance into this program is very competitive and (is) a very prestigious honor,” Newberry said.”

He will graduate later this year from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and he’s got plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

“The final culmination of my professional goals will be to obtain the position of fire chief in a progressive and growing community,” he said.

On the personal side, Newberry’s goals are tied closely to his family – wife, Jennie, and sons Caleb, 8, and Aiden, 15 months.

“Personal success is not defined by a standard of living but a healthy and happy home,” he said.

Stats

Position: Assistant Chief, Nixa Fire Protection District

Age: 31

Favorite professional sports team: St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and Notre Dame

A quote to live by: “Work hard, play hard and take care of your family. Give 110 percent and always remember life is composed of all of them.” – Maj. Paul Callan, U.S. Marine Corps

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]