Salisbury Fire Department

On Tuesday April 24 in its first closed session under the leadership of newly elected President Jake Day, the Salisbury City Council appointed acting Fire Chief Richard Hoppes to the permanent post and today he was sworn in as the full time Fire Chief. Chief Hoppes began his career with the Salisbury Fire Department as a volunteer in 1985. He began his career service with the Department in 1988. Rick has held many operational and administrative positions during his 28 year career, including Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Cardiac Rescue Technician, Lieutenant and Training Officer, Captain, Assistant Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He has spent the last 3 years as Acting Fire Chief of the SFD. Chief Hoppes currently holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Business Management from Wor-Wic Community College. He is a graduate of the National Fire Service Staff and Command curriculum and he has continuously strived to increase his education and training in the fire service throughout his career. Currently holding certifications as a Maryland and National Firefighter II, Fire Officer IV, Fire Service Instructor III, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Hazardous Materials Technician and Incident Commander, Chief Hoppes is an adjunct instructor for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency where he is credentialed to teach all of the National Incident Management (NIMS) courses. Chief Hoppes has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Unit Citations, Department Commendations and Meritorious Service Awards.