Bill GaulBill Gaul Serves as Fire Chief
Bill Gaul
Chief Gaul, a 27-year veteran of the Washington Township Fire Department, assumed his duties upon the retirement of Chief Ken Parks. In his new position, he is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all aspects of firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical services for Washington Township, including the City of Centerville.
“Deputy Chief Gaul has extensive experience and a long history of excellence and leadership with the Washington Township Fire Department,” said Trustee President Terry L. Blair. “He knows the department well, has vigorously upheld its standards, and is committed to the community he serves. We are fortunate to have him lead the department.”
As deputy chief for the past seven years, Gaul has directed the support and operations divisions. Prior to that, he served as emergency medical services (EMS) captain from 1998 to 2000 and as a full-time fire lieutenant from 1992 to 1998.
“I’m enjoying my new responsibilities. I know the Washington Township Fire Department to be a high-quality organization that’s well equipped and well trained to provide services to our community,” said Deputy Chief Gaul. “We have a team of fire and EMS personnel who want the city and the township to have the best service possible.”
Deputy Chief Gaul said that he plans to make career and leadership development a high priority. “Our department will continue its focus on providing timely, exceptional service. At the same time, we’ll continue to look ten to 15 years ahead to make sure that we are in the forefront of service improvement,” he said.
His nomination follows an internal selection process that was open to all qualifying full-time, part-time and part-paid volunteer staff. The process included a questionnaire, an oral board interview with Administrator Gary Huff, Deputy Administrator Jesse Lightle, Chief Bob Bobbitt of the Miamisburg Fire Department, and Charlie Wiltrout, executive director of the Montgomery County Fire & EMS Alliance. Final candidates were interviewed by Washington Township Trustees and Doug Cline, deputy mayor for the City of Centerville.
Chief Gaul holds an associate degree in business administration from Sinclair Community College and is on target to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business/Leadership this December from Capital University, Columbus. A paramedic since 1982, he is certified as an EMS instructor and worked part time as a senior paramedic for Kettering Hospital from 1987 to 1995. Other certifications include Scuba Diver, Professional Firefighting and Fire Safety Inspector.
The Washington Township Fire Department provides fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS) to 53,000 residents in a 30-square-mile area. The department also provides fire prevention, inspection and investigation services, safety education and rescue services.