CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Longtime department veteran David Topping named new Bartlesville fire chief

Examiner-Enterprise - 6/19/2021

Jun. 19—Bartlesville Deputy Fire Chief David Topping has been selected to assume the role of fire chief upon current Fire Chief John Banks' retirement July 1.

A 32-year Bartlesville Fire Department veteran, Topping has been recognized for his service several times, including receiving the Governor's Meritorious Service Ribbon for his part in the Alfred P. Murrah Building response in 1995.

"I consider it the highest honor to be selected to lead this department and the dedicated

professionals that serve our great city," Topping said in a statement.

"I look forward to continuing to serve the city of Bartlesville to ensure the best fire protection and first responder services possible, as well as continue to move our department forward through training, new technologies and innovations."

Topping was selected from a pool of 14 applicants. He joined BFD in 1989 after serving in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 2008 and to deputy fire chief in 2015.

Bartlesville City Manager Mike Bailey said he will be "first in line" to thank Banks for his service and "steadfast leadership." He also said the city is fortunate to have Topping.

"Deputy Chief Topping has worked side by side with Chief John Banks for several years and is well aware of what is needed to do the job. I have full confidence in his ability to lead the department in the wake of Chief Banks' retirement," Bailey said in a release.

A retirement reception for Banks, who has worked with BFD for 42 years, is scheduled for 2 p.m.June 30 in City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave.

Banks said he is thankful for his time with BFD and trusts that Topping will do well in the position.

"I truly feel that it was the best career path for me and my family. I know I will miss coming into work, but I look forward to having more time to spend with family and friends," Banks said.

"David is a very hard worker and self-motivated individual. He has done an excellent job serving as deputy chief, and I believe he was the obvious choice to replace me as fire chief."

___

(c)2021 the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise (Bartlesville, Okla.)

Visit the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise (Bartlesville, Okla.) at www.examiner-enterprise.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.