Emergency management chief hired

Monday, Jan. 8, 2001 | 9:23 a.m.

The Las Vegas Fire Department has filled its vacant emergency management officer position after a nationwide search.

Timothy McAndrew has been appointed as the new chief over the city's emergency operations center, as well as public education programs and earthquake preparedness.

McAndrew is a former firefighter and paramedic with the Folsom, Calif., Fire Department, where he was recognized nationally for implementing a program in which automatic external defibrillators were placed in all public access and government buildings.

Such defibrillators are also in place in many Las Vegas resorts.

In addition, the city fire department recognized outstanding employees last month.

Darell Aronson was named firefighter of the year for not only his firefighting, but also for his involvement in the department's Rescue Explorer program, which introduces teenagers to firefighting as a potential career.

Others receiving recognition included Tommy Grayson, outstanding paramedic; Jo O'Rourke, outstanding office specialist; supervisor David Klein, outstanding fire prevention employee; and electrician Lou Amell, outstanding communications division employee.

Management analyst Roy Lawson was given the fire chief's award of distinction.