December 16, 2022

Purdue Fire Department Change of Command Ceremony honors outgoing and incoming fire chiefs

On Wednesday (Dec. 14) family, friends, colleagues and supporters of retiring Purdue Fire Chief Kevin Ply and his recently announced successor Assistant Chief Brad Anderson attended the Purdue University Fire Department Change of Command Ceremony in the Córdova Recreational Sports Center’s Feature Gym.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of the colors by the joint Purdue University Fire Department and Police Department Color Guard and the playing of the national anthem. Jay Wasson, vice president and chief public safety officer, served as master of ceremonies, introducing distinguished speakers who recognized Ply’s years of service and congratulated Anderson on his achievement. Speakers included Purdue President Mitch Daniels; Carol Shelby, retired senior director of Environmental Health and Public Safety; Jeff Houston, Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 4 Task Force Commander; and Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete.

pt-change-in-command2-1600x1066 Incoming Purdue Fire Chief Brad Anderson’s daughter Lainey and son Colby help with insignia and badge pinning during the ceremony accompanied by his wife, Amarah, and older daughter Ellah. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca McElhoe) Download image

“I am very thankful to the partners I’ve had in public safety and throughout the Purdue community,” Ply said. “One thing I’ve loved so much about working at Purdue University is the relationships I was able to create. That’s one of the things I appreciate the most.”

Following Ply’s remarks, Wasson led Anderson through the officer’s oath, and the Anderson family came forward to complete the pinning ceremony, which included the placement of collar insignia and badge on the new chief.

“Thank you to Chief Ply for his years of service to both Purdue University and the entire community,” Anderson said. “I’m excited for this new opportunity, and I’m committed to ensuring that we remain poised to provide the highest quality service to the Purdue community.”

Ply’s career, which has spanned nearly 40 years in public safety, began in 1983 as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) with the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department. In 1989 Ply joined Purdue and held the positions of firefighter/EMT, lieutenant, captain and deputy fire chief before being appointed chief in 2007. He holds numerous certifications as an EMT, hazardous materials technician, airport firefighter and fire instructor. 

Anderson has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology and a Master of Business Administration. With over 20 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services, he began his career as an EMT/paramedic with the Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service, where he worked for 14 years. He joined Purdue in 2006, and during his time with the university he also completed 10 years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. In his time at Purdue, Anderson has served as captain and assistant chief.

Ply’s retirement is effective Dec. 31, and in order to facilitate a smooth transition, Anderson’s appointment begins Dec. 19.


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