Deputy Fire Chief Wayne brings an extensive 30-year background in the fire service to his role. Commencing his career as an Aircraft Crash Firefighter in the Air Force, he served at prominent locations such as RAF Alconbury, England, and Luke AFB. During the Persian Gulf War, Chief Wayne was deployed to Dhahran Air Base. His journey led him through the Glendale Fire Department before joining the Goodyear Fire Department in 2015.
Currently holding the position of Deputy Fire Chief over Operations, in 2023 Chief Wayne has assumed the role of Acting Fire Chief for a year. His career trajectory within the fire service spans from firefighter to captain, battalion chief, and emergency manager. Alongside his professional ascent, Chief Wayne earned an associate degree in Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Ottawa University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is an alumnus of Texas A&M University’s Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program and a Certified Public Manager from Arizona State University. Chief Wayne has also earned certifications in Technical Rescue and has been a Certified Emergency Paramedic since 1998. Recently, Chief Wayne was awarded Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence.
A dedicated learner and expert, Chief Wayne has contributed significantly to the field. He served on a National Incident Management Team, combating, and mitigating large-scale wildland fires. In 2015, he served as the Fire Chief of the Topeka Fire Department in Kansas, providing invaluable oversight and evaluation of department readiness. His comprehensive assessment and findings have since guided enhancements in services offered to the community. Chief Wayne's commitment to continuous learning and knowledge-sharing remains unwavering.