June 1 was Fire Chief John Whitney’s official first day at Superstition Fire & Medical District.

Chief Whitney started his career in 1996 with the U.S. Forest Service and was hired by Rural/Metro in 1999, according to a post on Facebook @sfmd.az.gov.

He joined the Scottsdale Fire Department as a captain in 2005 and was promoted to battalion chief in 2011. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2013, where he worked in a multitude of divisions, including operations, EMS, special events, prevention and most recently administrative services, the post states.

He has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in biology and political science from Arizona State University and a Master of Science degree in emergency management from Arizona State University.

Chief Whitney was awarded a scholarship from the International Association of Fire Fighters and attended the Harvard University Trade Union Program in Cambridge. He also completed the certified public manager program at Arizona State University. He recently completed the Center for Homeland Defense and Security master’s program at the Naval Postgraduate School.

“I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a great organization,” Chief Whitney said in the post, “and I truly look forward to being a part of its bright future.”

The fire district provides fire suppression and prevention, wildland protection, advanced life support, rescue, extrication and medical transportation services out of five fire stations: Fire Station 261, 1135 W. Superstition Blvd. in Apache Junction; Fire Station 262, 3955 E. Superstition Blvd. in Apache Junction; Fire Station 263, 1645 S. Idaho Road in Apache Junction; Fire Station 264, 7557 E. U.S. Highway 60 in Gold Canyon; and Fire Station 265, 9294 E. Don Donnelly Trail in Gold Canyon.

Under the SFMD Governing Board’s direction, the fire chief oversees a budget of $23.7 million through four divisions, each led by an assistant chief or a director. They are: emergency services operations, which includes transport; planning and logistics; administrative services; and financial services.