Deputy chief from Warren County picked to lead Riverside Fire Department

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

RIVERSIDE — The city has named a new fire chief.

Mark Miller, a deputy fire chief in Warren County’s Deerfield Twp., has been approved to lead the Riverside Fire Department starting in early October, according to the city.

Riverside City Council voted Thursday night in favor of the appointment of Miller. He will replace Dan Stitzel, who this past spring became Franklin’s new Chief of Fire & EMS.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

“We’re very excited to welcome Mark to our team,” Riverside City Manager Josh Rauch said in a released statement.

“He brings a wealth of senior leadership experience, significant operational expertise, and an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges in the fire service and in Riverside,” Rauch added.

Miller was the top pick among 19 applicants for the job, Riverside officials said. The city interviewed Miller and Tipp City Assistant Fire Chief Charles Rielage before making a decision, records show.

Miller said in his application letter he has nearly 30 years of experience in fire service. He was a lieutenant in the Forest Park Fire Department in Hamilton County before becoming a battalion chief in Deerfield Twp., his resume states.

Miller has been in his current position since 2011.

“I have extensive experience and technical knowledge in public safety administration, fire operations, paramedicine, technical rescue and hazardous materials response,” his application letter states.

“My present responsibilities — in addition to the day-to-day operations of the fire department — include employee succession planning, grant writing and tracking, overseeing our township’s fleet, and fleet maintenance division,” Miller said in the letter.

Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in fire science from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in public safety administration through Lewis University.

He also is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program.

Riverside’s fire department consists of 41 people, including three battalion chiefs and three lieutenants. It also has 33 firefighters/EMTs and paramedics, 12 of whom are full time, according to the city’s website.

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