Springfield fire chief announces retirement

Whisler joined SFD in 1978 as a firefighter and held several positions, including rescue and salvage specialist, fire marshal, battalion chief and assistant chief of operations, before being named fire chief in 2002, according to a news release from the city.

Whisler is a graduate of Baptist Bible College, and he has obtained several certifications. He’s also a graduate of the Leadership Springfield program.

Whisler’s responsibilities as chief include directing the operations and administrative details of 11 fire stations. Fire Station No. 12 is under construction.

“The greatest resource of the Springfield Fire Department is the top-notch people who provide excellent customer service,” Whisler said in the release.

The search for a new fire chief will begin soon, according to City Manager Bob Cumley.

“Our community is very fortunate to have the highest level of professionalism in our Fire Department, and that can be attributed to Dan’s leadership and excellent management staff and firefighters,” Cumley said in the release. “We will miss Dan very much but want to wish him all the best for a long and well-deserved retirement.”