December 19, 2022
Purdue Fire Chief Kevin Ply reflects on successful career in public service, looks forward to retirement
Having served nearly 40 years in public service for Tippecanoe County, Purdue Fire Chief Kevin Ply says his career technically got its start when he was taking classes at Purdue. While enrolled in exploratory classes at the university, he decided that was not the path for him and left to explore fire services.
In 1983 Ply became a volunteer firefighter with the Washington Township/Buck Creek Fire Department and quickly developed a passion for the profession. When it came to finding a full-time position in 1989, he had the choice of joining a municipal department or the Purdue University Fire Department. He says it was an easy decision.
“At the time, Purdue had fire-based emergency medical services (EMS). Not every fire department provides ambulance services, and that was something I was really interested in learning more about,” Ply says. “I saw it as a development opportunity and a way to advance my skills.”
Ply was promoted to lieutenant in 2001 and was responsible for department training. In 2004 he was promoted to deputy fire chief and managed the department’s day-to-day operations. He then became interim chief in 2007 before being named chief later that year. A past president and current board member of the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, Ply was honored as the 2010 Fire Chief of the Year for his work with campus fire safety initiatives. When asked about his greatest accomplishments over the years, he circles back to EMS.
“There has been a national shortage of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), so we understood the importance to fill and retain these positions in order for our services to be sustainable,” Ply says. “We have been very successful with that and even conducted an EMT to paramedic program. It was crucial for us to provide a pathway to further careers.”
While Ply recalls several changes at the university during his time with the department, including physical changes to campus and a larger student population, he says it is the people he has worked with throughout the years that he will remember.
“I will really miss the people, especially my staff, most,” Ply says. “This department is successful because of their hard work and dedication, and I am beyond grateful for them. I will also really miss the fall time when all of the students come back for another academic year and there is new life on campus.”
Ply will officially retire on Dec. 31. As he reflects on the past, he also looks forward to the future – and retirement.
“I plan to take some time off before my family and I enjoy some new adventures,” Ply says.
A change of command ceremony was held last week and Assistant Fire Chief Brad Anderson was named the new chief. Anderson has more than 20 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services and has served as the department’s captain and assistant chief. His responsibilities as chief will officially begin on Monday (Dec. 19).
The Purdue University Fire Department is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Ensuring the seamless continuity of safety services is just one of many ways the organization helps power Purdue.