The city of Buckeye selected John Kent Rhoades Jr. as its new fire chief.

Rhoades, who was most recently fire chief in Kingman, has more than 29 years of progressive experience in fire and emergency management. He also held administrative fire positions in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Rhoades replaces former Chief Bob Costello, who died in April after serving as Buckeye's chief for 13 years.

The city's new chief brings a lifelong passion for fire service and diverse experience focusing on continuous improvements in response and community service, officials said in a release announcing the hiring.

Recent achievements in Kingman include accreditation status with the Commission of Fire Accreditation International and reducing the Insurance Service Office rating from a 4 to 1. 

“My goals for the Buckeye Fire and Medical Rescue Department are to continue and support the excellent work achieved by staff under the leadership of Bob Costello,” said Rhoades in a press release. “Through strategic planning and building collaborative relationships with the community, region and other city departments, I look forward to serving the city of Buckeye as it continues to grow.”

 Rhoades has a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University; a master’s in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University; a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Oklahoma Christian University; and is a certified public manager from Arizona State University.

He is also a member numerous professional fire and public safety organizations including the International, Western and Arizona Fire Chiefs Associations, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and more.

Rhoades begins is new assignment as Buckeye’s Fire Chief on Dec. 6.