The Southaven Fire Department announced the promotion of Rick Carpenter to deputy chief, the department said.
Carpenter began his career with the department in 1995 and has served for 31 years, the department said. He has held the ranks of firefighter, driver, lieutenant, captain and battalion chief, the department said.
He has earned numerous technical rescue certifications and served as a member of Mississippi Task Force 1, the state’s Urban Search and Rescue team, the department said. Carpenter is also a graduate of the Mississippi Executive Fire Officer (MEFO) program, the department said.
Born and raised in Southaven, Carpenter graduated from Southaven High School, the department said. He and his wife, Laura, have been married 32 years. They have a son, Dalton, and two grandchildren, the department said.
As deputy chief, Carpenter will oversee departmental operations and provide strategic leadership while continuing the department’s focus on emergency response, firefighter safety and professional development, the department said. The department said it looks forward to the experience and leadership he will bring to the role.
