International Association of Fire Chiefs President Bill Killen has announced his retirement as fire chief of the Holston Army Ammunition plant effective the 5th of May, 2006. His announcement coincides with the celebration of his 50th anniversary in the fire service.
Chief Killen began his career at the age of 16 as a volunteer firefighter with the Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department in Indianhead, Maryland. He started as career firefighter in 1960 with the Naval Propellant Plan in Indian Head. He served 19 years as director of the U.S. Navy Fire & Emergency Services from 1985 through September 2004. Prior to retiring, Killen became the first inductee in the Navy Fire and Emergency Services Hall of Fame.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from the University College, University of Maryland and holds the Chief Fire Officer designation.
Chief Killen and his wife Carole will continue to reside in Church Hill, Tennessee. Killen will be active with the local volunteer fire service and the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association. His term as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs is through September 16, 2006.