Gary Ludwig appointed Deputy Fire Chief with the Memphis Fire Department

Memphis, TN; March 16, 2005
  -- Richard Arwood, Fire Chief of the Memphis Fire Department is pleased to announce that he has appointed Gary Ludwig as Deputy Fire Chief.

“We are excited to welcome Gary to our team”, said Arwood, announcing the appointment Thursday. “His background, education, experience, and recognition as a national fire service leader will complement our existing outstanding management team.” “Without question, he was the most qualified of the 89 applicants who applied for the position,” added Arwood. As Deputy Fire Chief, Ludwig will oversee emergency medical service operations.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected,” said Ludwig. “I am truly thrilled about the opportunity to work for the Memphis Fire Department and with the many professionals who I have come to know in Memphis. The professionalism and quality of the Department and its members were key factors in my decision. I look forward to serving the citizens of Memphis,” Ludwig further commented.

Ludwig has more than 28 years experience in fire and EMS, including 25 years with the City of St. Louis. He retired as the Chief Paramedic from the St. Louis Fire Department in 2001. He has also recently served as Director of Emergency Services and Chief of Special Operations for Jefferson County, Missouri. He is the author of monthly columns in such nationally respected professional trade publications as Firehouse Magazine and Journal of Emergency Medical Services. He is also a “frontpage” columnist for the website Firehouse.com. He is currently serving in his fifth elected term as the Vice-Chairman for the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Ludwig has a Master’s degree in Management and Business and is a licensed paramedic. Additionally, he holds countless certifications, including Firefighter I & II, and Hazardous Material Operations.

The Memphis Fire Department is a 1,796 person fire department, operating from 54 fire stations. Last year, the Memphis Fire Department responded on approximately 145,000 alarms.