By JAN LARON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bill Moorman started his firefighting career battling bush fires in Australia. Next month, he will take over as chief of the Bowling Green Fire Division.
“I’m very excited,” Moorman said Thursday morning after the announcement was made. “The very first day I turned up for work here at Bowling Green Fire, I was blown away by the professionalism and the equipment.”
Even then, 24 years ago, Moorman dreamed of becoming chief some day.
“Finally it happened,” he said.
Moorman will be taking over the seat currently held by Chief Tom Sanderson, who is retiring after 3 and a half years in the top position and 33 years in fire service.
Sanderson said Moorman is a good choice as the new chief.
“Bill has been here for 24 years. He has a very strong resume – a lot of fire training, a lot of rescue training and a lot of leadership training,” Sanderson said. “He will provide the best services possible for the community.”
Moorman, with his outgoing demeanor and Australian accent, is also well-known in the community.
The official announcement of Moorman’s promotion was made by Mayor Dick Edwards.
“Bill Moorman is a true professional fire official—hardworking, dedicated, and highly motivated,” Edwards said in a press release Thursday morning. “Bill has proven to be an excellent leader who is thoughtful and innovative.”
“I am confident that under Bill’s direction, the already highly qualified and internationally accredited Bowling Green Fire Division will do great things,” the mayor continued. “He will continue the legacy of effective and efficient fire and emergency medical services this city has come to expect. Bill, I am sure, will find new ways to improve the division. He is someone who is tough yet personable and compassionate—putting the citizens of Bowling Green first.”
Moorman has worked for the Bowling Green Fire Division since 1994 when he was hired as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1999 and captain in 2014. He holds numerous certifications including paramedic, fire safety instructor, advanced arson and explosive investigator, dive rescue, and ice rescue technician among others.
Moorman, who will take over the chief position on Jan. 27, plans to continue Sanderson’s focus on fire prevention in the community. That includes educating residents and business owners about minimizing fire risks.
“That’s extremely valuable, anytime you can be proactive,” Moorman said. “We will be working with them to make the community as safe as possible.”
Outside the fire division, Moorman has served in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America for 10 years, has volunteered as a mentor for regional CPR competitions, and is a Leadership BG graduate. He and his wife, Cari, have five children.
