Paul Nies, Fire Chief

Chief Nies began his emergency services career in 1979 as an EMT. He attained paramedic certification in 1981. Prior to joining CYFD, he was a member of the Chandler Fire Department for 25 years, an adjunct faculty for several community colleges, a regional faculty for the American Heart Association, and the chair of a regional EMS consortium. Chief Nies holds current paramedic certification, an associate degree in Emergency Medical Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration. Chief Nies makes his home in the Walker area.

Scott Bliss, Assistant Chief of Operations

Chief Bliss began his emergency service career with the District as a reserve in 1989, before being hired as a full-time employee in 1995. He has also worked with the Forest Service and the local ambulance company. Scott is a paramedic, holds an associate's degree in Fire Science and a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science. He is involved with the Off-District Wildland team and worked as the Accreditation Manager during CYFD’s successful Accreditation project.  Scott lives in Prescott.

 Mary Dalton, Assistant Chief of Administration

Assistant Chief Dalton joined the Fire District in 1986 and has held her current postition since 1997.  She holds a dual bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Human Resources.  She is a graduate of Arizona State University's Fire Service Institute. She is also certified by the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).  In addition, she is currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.  Assistant Chief Dalton makes her home in Prescott Valley.

Jeff Polacek, Battalion Chief, A-Shift

Chief Polacek began his career with Central Yavapai Fire District as a fulltime firefighter in 1993. Prior to joining CYFD he was a firefighter with the Chino Valley Fire District. Throughout his career with CYFD Chief Polacek has promoted through the ranks, from firefighter to engineer to captain to Battalion Chief. Chief Polacek also held the position of Training Officer from 2002 through 2007. Chief Polacek is a Hazardous Materials Technician and has been a member of the Prescott Area Hazardous Materials Response Team since 1996. Chief Polacek is a member of the Off-District Response Team and is qualified as an Engine Boss, Type 4 Incident Commander and is also a Strike Team Leader Trainee. In addition to the above, he is a certified paramedic with over 15 years experience and is an instructor at Yavapai College. Chief Polacek makes his home in Chino Valley.

JPolacek@centralyavapaifire.org

Cougan Carothers, Battalion Chief, C-Shift

Chief Cougan Carothers began his fire service career in 1993 by becoming a reserve firefighter/ EMT with Central Yavapai Fire District. He has since graduated from Yavapai College with an Associates Degree in Fire Science, completed the necessary requirements to become a certified instructor for Rescue Three International for rope and water rescue and attained his 200 hour State Fire Marshal certification in technical rescue. He is the program coordinator for the Special Operations program for Central Yavapai Fire District. Chief Carothers was promoted from Captain to Battalion Chief in April of 2009. Additionally, Chief Carothers has been active in the off district wildland program. Chief Carothers and his wife Vicky are the parents of Jasper and Daisy Carothers and their hobbies include rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and traveling. Chief Carothers currently resides in Prescott.

Gary Cordes, Training Chief, Wildland

Chief Cordes has worked in the fire service for 20 years, including his employment with Phoenix area fire departments, and joining Central Yavapai Fire District in 1989.  He was promoted from captain to battalion chief in 2004 and is currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.  He is also a graduate of Arizona State University's Fire Service Institute, and holds a certification as a paramedic.  In addition, he has been active in the District's Off-Distict Wildland program.  Chief Cordes makes his home in the Coyote Springs community.