Rich Higgins
Rich serves as the City of Ames Fire Chief. He leads a department of over 70 employees that delivers fire response, Emergency Medical Service, and building inspection services to the Ames community. He is also a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.
During the COVID pandemic, Chief Higgins was the City’s lead in coordinating communication and service efforts between the City of Ames and community partners such as Story County Public Health, Mary Greeley Medical Center, McFarland Clinic, Iowa State University, Story County Emergency Management, Ames Community School District and area assisted living facilities.
He also led a weekly team communication meeting with the City’s Executive Leadership Team. The level of coordination and communication was vital in keeping everyone informed. Importantly, Chief Higgins created an environment to quickly address issues that continually surfaced during the first 18 months of the pandemic.
In August 2020, Chief Higgins's leadership shifted in another direction as Ames and Story County experienced a derecho. Chief Higgins convened the City’s Emergency Operation Center and collaboratively worked with City departments, Story County Emergency Management, and Iowa State University. Over the next two weeks, Chief Higgins led the Emergency Operations Center as people worked around the clock to restore power to Ames’ residents and businesses as quickly as possible.
When not actively responding to a disaster, Chief Higgins works with various jurisdictions in developing and implementing disaster preparedness training. His foresight and leadership are true assets to the community.
Rotarian John Dahlhoff sponsored Rich’s award.