City of Ames Names Fire Chief

Internal candidate Ames Deputy Fire Chief was selected as the next fire chief in Ames.

Bayouth will start his new , Aug. 23, the city announced in a press release today. Former Chief Clint Petersen retired in July. He had worked for the city for more than 30 years.

City Manager Steve Schainker is charged with hiring employees including the fire chief without council approval.

The city's press release follows below:

“I believe Shawn possesses the right combination of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills that are most compatible with our City’s values,” said City Manager Steve Schainker. “I am confident that Shawn’s experience and dedication to ensuring public health and safety will contribute to our goal of providing all Ames residents with exceptional service at the best price.”

Nearly 50 applications were received for the position. Three finalists went through a rigorous interview and public presentation process in July. 

Bayouth has served as Deputy Fire Chief with the City of Ames since 2007. Prior to that, he worked as a Battalion Chief for the Eagle River Fire Protection District, in Avon, Colo., from 2003 to 2007. From 2000 to 2003, Bayouth was employed with the Urbandale Fire Department as the Assistant Chief of Training. He has received his Chief Fire Officer, Executive Fire Officer, and Fire Officer IV certifications. Additionally, Bayouth is licensed as a National Paramedic and an Iowa Paramedic Specialist. 

He holds an associate’s degree from Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan., a bachelor’s degree in fire administration and management from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill., and a master’s degree in human resource development from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. Recently, Bayouth earned his doctorate in industrial and agricultural technology from Iowa State University.