Walker named new deputy fire marshal

Introducing Randy Walker: Buckeye's New Deputy Fire Marshal

It's a busy job being a fire marshal in the nation's fastest-growing cities. Buckeye is only at 15% of its full build-out capacity with single-family, multi-family, commercial and industrial properties — all of which need fire inspection services. How to get it all done?

This is where Randy Walker enters the Buckeye stage, bringing with him more than 40 years of experience in fire prevention, management and inspection.

Walker, who was hired in April of this year as a fire specialist I, was promoted last week to the role of deputy fire marshal alongside Fire Marshal Nate Ryan. This is a new position for the city, accommodating the growing demands faced by the Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department.

"The fire department and the fire prevention division are continuing to grow to meet the needs of the community and developers," said Ryan. "With more demand and the complexity of the different projects coming into the city, we see a lot more multi-story apartment, multi-family but also a large distribution of manufacturing and those come with a lot of hazards associated with it and inspections."

From Volunteer Firefighter to Deputy State Fire Marshal

Walker's career began as a volunteer firefighter in Kentucky, and he quickly knew fire prevention was his passion.

"The first time I walked into a fire station, I felt that's where I'm supposed to be," he said. "I've never woken up once and regretted going to work at the fire department."

He was deputy state fire marshal for the state of Kentucky, taught at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy and served in numerous fire prevention and fire chief roles throughout the south-eastern United States. Before moving to Buckeye in April of this year, Walker was senior fire inspector of West Palm Beach, Florida, a role which he says is incredibly similar to what he does now at BMFRD.

"When I saw the challenges that Buckeye was facing as far as development and growth and how we approach those things and with my experience at West Palm Beach, I felt it was a good fit for me," he said. "I was excited to be able to interview and then, when they offered me the position, I felt very fortunate. ... I've seen different locations and how they operate, and Buckeye does have a really good fire department. I feel really proud to be part of it."

Walker’s Selection as Deputy Fire Marshal

Ryan said Walker was hired based on his valuable expertise from decades of experience in fire prevention. When the city began seeking a deputy fire marshal, Randy was the obvious choice.

"Randy, obviously, with his years of experience and knowledge and certifications, we felt that he was a good fit for the position to help the city keep up with the demands," Ryan said.

Walker said working in Buckeye for the past four months has been fulfilling and he looks forward to continuing to serve the community in his new capacity.

"It really is a good community, and I just feel blessed to be here and to really work with a really good bunch of people who really have the best interest of the community," he said. "And I'm really fortunate to be involved with a group of people who take their career and don't look at it as just a job. It's part of their life."