Moody chosen as new Stevens Point Fire Chief
By Brandi Makuski
Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission President Jerry Moore has announced there’s a new fire chief in town.
Following weeks of candidate screenings and internal interviews, the PFC offered the position to JB Moody. The PFC is expected to formally approve the action during an open-session meeting within the next week or so.
Moody, 41, is a 21-year veteran of the SPFD and was promoted to assistant chief in 2018. He’s also a veteran of the United States Air Force. He is married with one daughter.
Moore contacted Moody Friday morning to offer him the spot, and Moody accepted.
“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions this morning, let me tell you,” Moody said on Friday. “It’s energizing, exciting, I’m looking forward to the future. It’s gonna be interesting, I can tell you that much.”
Moody said he’s well aware it won’t be the easiest role to take on. The fire service is facing several challenges across the nation.
“Not only are there internal challenges we deal with on a day-to-day basis, but the economic impacts on the community, recruitment, and retention—those are just some of the difficulties that all fire departments are dealing with,” he said. “But I’m looking forward to it and moving the department forward.”
When Moody was named assistant chief four years ago, he made it clear he had his eye on someday becoming chief. But it’s not his last professional goal, either.
The department’s new regional training site, located in the city’s former landfill on Whiting Ave., was launched last year and Moody said he plans to see it become “a great regional training location” for all area fire departments.
Also on his list are increasing the city’s ISO rating to a 1, and improving staff levels at SPFD. He also plans on continuing his education, seeking out his Chief Fire Officer certification, an accreditation not dissimilar to a technical degree, but designed specifically for the fire service.
Moody thanked the PFC for the opportunity, and for having faith in him. He also spoke highly of the support he’d received from his wife and daughter, who have become used to him being called away at all hours.
“I don’t take being a community servant lightly, nor should anyone else in our department,” he said.
In a statement released to the press, Moore said Fire Chief Robert Finn will remain at the helm until March 1, and thanked him for his service to the community.
“We chose JB after extensive research and screening of over a dozen candidates from around the country,” Moore said. “Assistant Chief Moody was clearly above the rest of the candidates in his vision to move the department forward and provide a vast knowledge of policy and procedure.”
Moody said he plans to maintain a high level of communication within his department and with others in city government, saying it was crucial everyone understood his vision for the department.
“I’m going to need all hands on deck so we can keep moving forward; if we aren’t moving forward, we are moving backward, especially in this profession,” Moody said. “It’s really truly going to be up to the men and women of the Stevens Point Fire Department to move this department forward. We’re a team, we’re moving forward as a team, and I’m just here to make sure they have what they need to accomplish their goals.”
Moody will be sworn in to his new role next month, at which time a new assistant fire chief will be announced.