On the Move: Hazelwood Firefighter Promoted to Deputy Chief

The has filled a position from within.

Firefighter and paramedic Dan Luley has been promoted to the rank of deputy chief. Luley has been with the department for 13 years, starting out as a firefighter and paramedic in 1999.

Things within the department, which includes , have been moving around for some time fill gaps left upon former fire chief . Naturally, at that time assistant chief Dave Radel was and then eventually in December.

Prior to Hazelwood, Luley spent three years as an EMT and 10 years as a paramedic for Christian Hospital. While at Christian, he worked nights so he could attend day classes at the St. Louis County Fire Academy.

Luley said he's excited about his promotion and being able to find additional ways to help people, a reason he pursued firefighting as a career.

"I really enjoy helping people," he said. "I like being in a position to walk into someone's house when they're having the worst day possible and being able to figure out what's going on. 

"Then find a way to resolve the problem and help the patient feel better."

In 2001, Luley and Capt. Rob Peth received a Bronze Medal of Valor for their efforts in rescuing a woman from a burning house. Luley worked with her on the scene and stabilized her condition before the ambulance rushed her to the hospital. The crew members of 4115 and 4125 were honored with citations for their assistance as well.

As the deputy chief, Luley will help manage the day-to-day operations of the department. He'll be in charge of purchasing supplies, as well as ordering and maintaining the equipment. He'll also be working with the battalion chiefs and medical officer, scheduling training classes, communicating with the hospitals, and handling a wide range of other duties.

Luley is currently working on a degree in Fire Science at Forest Park Community College with plans to further his education. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children and three grandchildren and live in Florissant.