Photo: Ames Fire Department
(Ames, IA) -- Ames Fire Department Shift Commander Karen Tapper has been promoted to Deputy Fire Chief. Tapper replaces Douglas Allen who recently retired after more than 20-years of service. Tapper begins her new duties April 16th.
“With her many years of experience in various positions with the Ames Fire Department, Karen has shown her natural leadership abilities, dedication to serving our residents, and commitment to public outreach and fire safety education,” said Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins. “We are excited to promote Karen to our administrative team and confident she will continue to be an amazing asset to our organization.”
Tapper has been with the Ames Fire Department since 1999, was promoted to Lieutenant in 2006, and then to Shift Commander in 2016. She has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Waldorf University.
She has the following certifications: Fire Department Vehicle Diver Operator Pumper, Fire Officer II, Fire Officer I, Fire Service Instructor I, Fire Fighter II, Fire Fighter I, Emergency Medical Responder, Fire Instructor II, and Fire Department Safety Officers Association Incident Safety Officer NFPA Standard 1521.