As I evaluate and communicate new information for many hours daily, some of which is not good, I know how important a positive attitude is for all of us during this challenging time. I choose to keep my head right and know that God is in control of this situation. Please join me with a positive attitude and as I “tell you something good”, please also forward some positivity to another person today.
Let me introduce to you our talented team with the City of Southaven who helps me and serves our citizens in a tremendous way daily.
Today’s introduction is Danny Scallions, Fire Chief. Chief Scallions joined the City of Southaven’s Fire Department on June 22, 1992 when he started service as a Firefighter. He was promoted to Driver in November, 1995; Lieutenant in December, 1998; Lieutenant/Paramedic in August, 2001; Captain in October, 2010; Deputy Chief in January, 2016; and has held the top position as Fire Chief since January, 2018.
As Fire Chief, Danny has supervision of one of two of the largest departments in the City’s operation and the responsibility of helping us maintain the utmost priority of public safety. His responsibilities include supervision of all divisions of the department which include fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and training.
Chief Scallions has an extensive educational background starting with graduation from the State Fire Academy and the following programs: Firefighter Certification I & II, Smoke Diver, Driver Operator, Rope Rescue I & II, Fire Service Instructor, Fire Officer I & II, Confined Space Rescue, Certified Advanced Rescue Specialist, and Firefighter Intervention Rescue Survival Tech. In addition, he completed the Hazardous Materials Tech I & II Programs at Shelby State (TN) University; EMT Basic and Paramedic Programs at Northwest Mississippi Community College; and the Executive Fire Officer Program at Meridian (MS) Community College.
When asked about his professional achievements, Chief Scallions humbly responded: “My accomplishments have always been a result of team efforts. I have always been proud to work for the Southaven Fire Department and I can still remember how excited I was when I got the call to be hired. I am honored to serve as the Chief of the Department and confident in the men and women on the SFD Team.”
When asked to ponder the self-inquiry, “Why do I do what I do?” Chief responded, “It sounds cliche’ to say that I found the most rewarding part of being on the Department was helping others, but there is gratification in knowing that you were able to make a difference in someone’s life during a time they struggle the most.”
Danny and his wife, Jennifer, will have been married for 20 years in July of this year and share the hobby of running. Both run 6 days a week and compete in road races ranging from 5K to marathon distances.
It’s easy to tell by Chief Scallions’ humble responses to individual questions about his professional life why he is such a tremendous leader. He continuously praises and supports the men and women in his department, while keeping open lines of communication and allowing them to use their ideas and talents for the benefit of the entire operation. I learned very early during my time working with him that he has earned the respect of all who know and work with him. All of this, plus the fact that he is simply a very smart guy that makes great decisions in situations critical to the Fire Operation and City, in general, make him a great Fire Chief. The thing that I appreciate the most about Chief Scallions is his incredible attention to detail. Never does he present a problem to me, without a detailed solution. He has been a huge asset for me professionally in my service as Mayor and the City is fortunate to have him on our team. #tellmesomethinggood
