I am pleased to welcome you to the Drexel Heights Fire District community, where we strive to take the most professional and customer orientated approach to the public safety needs of the communities we serve.
The District has a proud 67-year history of serving our community and as leaders in the region for excellence in public safety. We are fortunate to have some of the most talented and dedicated individuals working in the fire service today. The men and women of the Drexel Heights Fire District, through tradition and innovation, are here to provide the highest level of service possible. Our command staff, firefighters, communication center personnel, fire prevention / public education personnel, and civilians are committed to living up to the standards established by our Mission and Values.
As the Drexel Heights Fire District prepares for the opportunities of the future, we will continually seek ways to evaluate how we provide our services efficiently, adaptable, and adhering to the public safety needs of our residents and the visitors to our community. We remain committed to you, our community, to stand ready, day or night, with professionalism, compassion, and respect
Douglas L. Chappell, MPA, CFO
District Administrator & Fire Chief
Chief Chappell's bio:
Chief Chappell has been in the Fire Service since 1971, working in Illinois and Arizona. Chief Chappell came to Tucson in 2001 after serving with a fire department in Illinois. Chief Chappell has served in the Fire Chief capacity between Illinois and Tucson since 1985. Prior to being appointed Fire Chief, he held various ranks including Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Firefighter and Paramedic. He has served as the President of the Illinois Firefighters Association, Director on Board of Arizona Fire Districts Association, Chairman of the Illinois Firefighter Medal of Honor Commission, Illinois Director to the National Volunteer Fire Council, President of the MABAS Division 24, Chairman of the Pima County Fire Chiefs, Chairman of the PCWIN Governing Board and the Executive Committee, Board Member of Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Associate Professor for Southern Illinois University, and Professor at Governors State University. Chief Chappell has a Masters Degree of Public Administration, is Designated Fire Chief Officer by CPSE, and holds numerous certifications in the Fire Service field. Chief Chappell maintains membership in Arizona Fire Chiefs Association, and Arizona Fire Districts Association.