After an extensive and comprehensive selection process, Junction City has selected Kevin Royse to serve as Fire/EMS Chief.
Chief Royse was selected from a field of twenty-four candidates. He brings over twenty-six years of firefighting and emergency medical service experience to the department. During his time with the Wichita Fire Department, he served as firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently as Battalion Chief – Special Operations Division that was responsible for four fire stations and thirty-six personnel.
The position has been vacant since the retirement of Chief Mike Steinfort on November 1, 2012. “ This selection was critical to the continued success of Junction City” reports Cheryl Beatty, Interim City Manager. “As such, we developed a candidate profile from the firefighters and the management team. We stuck to that profile and ultimately selected Chief Royse because of his high moral fiber, inclusive management style, and solid belief in being a team player”.
Chief Royse’s earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Acadamy. In addition, he serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Kansas Fire Service Training. Chief Royse states, “This is an incredible opportuntity for me to take on the challenges of becoming a Fire/EMS Chief in an incredibly professional department. As a proponent of life-long learning, I will use my teaching abilities combined with my knowledge and skills to move the department forward in meeting the service demands of Junction City and Geary County residents”.
Chief Royse is scheduled to report to work on July 22, 2013.
