Rick Southey Fire Chief

Rick Southey
Fire Chief

Chief Southey began his firefighting career with Bullhead City Fire Department on January 4^th, 1982
at the age of 22. After working his way up through the ranks to the position of Assistant Chief, he was
appointed Fire Chief in January 1998 by the Bullhead City Fire District Board. Chief Southey earned
his AAS degrees in Fire Science and Paramedicine from Mohave Community College, and BS
Degrees in Fire Service Administration and Fire Prevention Technology from Cogswell Polytechnical
College. Chief Southey is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program of the National Fire
Academy and believes continuing education is important to the success of any Fire Officer.

In 1983 as a firefighter, Chief Southey, at the urging of a local radio station and several citizens groups,
researched other programs and developed "Holiday 83" to provide toys for needy Bullhead City children
at Christmas. This program has continued to grow each year, and is currently known as the Bullhead City
Fire Department Christmas Toy Program. Many community service clubs, businesses, individuals and
organizations have joined us in this effort enabling us to provide toys for approximately 600 children each
December. 100 of those children have their toys delivered by Santa riding through their neighborhood on
an antique fire truck on Christmas Eve.

In 1988, Southey was awarded the Bullhead City Rotary Club “Firefighter of the Year” award.

Chief Southey is dedicated to leading the Bullhead City Fire Department towards a successful and
productive future. He is committed to the values and goals that define the core services provided
by our organization.

Chief Southey and his wife Colleen are the parents of seven children and they have eight grandchildren.

Chief Southey is the current President of the Arizona Fire District Association, the immediate past
Chairman of the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce, the current Treasurer of the Bullhead Morning
Kiwanis club, and an active member of several other community based organizations.