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.