Purdue University’s fire chief announces retirement
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Kevin Ply has served as the fire chief of Purdue University’s Fire Department for almost 15 years, but on Friday, the university announced that Ply will be stepping down from his position and retiring by the end of the year.
“It’s always hard when a dedicated, giving leader like Chief Ply decides to retire,” said Jay Wasson, vice president and chief public safety officer.
“With over 30 years of service to Purdue, Chief Ply has seen this campus and community through both tragedies and celebrations, and we are honored he chose to dedicate so many years to Purdue.”
Purdue announced that Brad Anderson, who currently serves as the assistant chief of PUFD, will be appointed as the next chief of PUFD.
Anderson has been with PUFD since 2006 and throughout his career, he held several positions within the department.
Purdue leaders plan to host a Change of Command Ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 14, inside the Feature Gym of the Córdova Recreational Sports Center.
“The Change of Command Ceremony will be doubly noteworthy as we both celebrate the legacy of Chief Ply and the opportunity before Assistant Chief Anderson,” he said.
“We welcome those who would like to show their appreciation and support for our exiting and incoming fire chiefs.”
Ply has severed the Purdue University campus for almost 33 years. He initially joined the FUPD as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in 1989, eventually being promoted to lieutenant from 2001-2003, a captain from 2003-2004, deputy fire chief from 2004-2007, and finally appointed to fire chief in 2007.
Prior to his position at PUFD, Ply started his career in 1983 with the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, as a public safety as a firefighter/EMT.
During his time with PUFD, Ply created several new programs and improvements to the department, creating a fire inspection division, implementing stronger training, requiring fire department personnel certification, and expanding the department’s emergency medical services program by becoming a certified Indiana EMS training institution.
Ply has served as a past president and current member of the Board of Directors for the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association. Ply was honored as the 2010 Indiana Fire Chief of the Year for his work with campus fire safety initiatives.
Ply’s retirement is set to take effect on Dec. 31, 2022.
Ply’s successor, Anderson has served with the PUFD since 2006, initially, starting off as an EMT/paramedic with the Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service, where he worked for 14 years.
During that time, Anderson also worked for two years with the Crawfordsville Fire Department, completed 10 years of service with the United States Coast Guard Reserve, and served as captain and assistant chief.
Anderson has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and criminology and a master of business Administration.
He is an active community member, participating in the Tippecanoe County Volunteer Fire Service, Randolph Township Volunteer Fire Service, Greater Lafayette Honor Flight and Tippecanoe School Corporation Board of School Trustees.
“Assistant Chief Anderson comes to the role of chief with the support of his department, peers and community partners,” Wasson said. “His public safety and military experience along with his extensive local community involvement position him well for this leadership role.”
As fire chief, Anderson will be responsible for leading and managing the department in fire response, emergency medical services, hazardous material response, airport rescue firefighting, code compliance, and fire equipment services.
He will also serve as the community outreach and public representative for the fire department.
Anderson will take over responsibilities as PUFD’s fire chief on Dec. 19.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue University’s Fire Chief announces retirement
