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Russellville fire chief retires after 34 years; department outlines new capabilities
Summary
Chief Sloan, retiring after 34 years with the Russellville Fire Department, was publicly recognized June 25 as the department highlighted new paramedic capabilities, drone operations, a live‑fire training facility and plans to add blood transfusion capability on a ground unit.
Chief Sloan was honored by the Russellville City Council on June 25 as he announced his retirement after 34 years of service and reflected on the department's growth.
In remarks to the council Sloan recounted joining in the early 1990s and described building a team that expanded the department's services. He credited past leadership and city support while describing a long list of operational upgrades achieved during his tenure.
The department's recent operational developments — described during the meeting — include: expanded paramedic response and certification of a fifth ambulance by the Arkansas Department of Health; new cardiac monitors that alert crews en route; plans to equip a ground unit to provide blood transfusions (characterized in the meeting as a state first for Arkansas); expanded drone capabilities and special operations training; a live‑fire training facility opened in 2023; and more technical rescue and hazardous‑materials training.
The city and fire department framed the retirements of several long‑tenured staff as the loss of ‘‘about 145 years’’ of combined experience recently, while also describing a recruitment and promotion cycle that city leaders said has injected new energy and technical skill into the ranks.
Chief Sloan praised the department and the community and expressed confidence in the promoted leadership he leaves behind. The council scheduled a public farewell presentation the following day at Central Fire Station.
