LAFD Fire Chief Troy Hughes
COUNTY News:
LAFD Fire Chief Troy Hughes announced today that he has chosen to withdraw from the Lincoln, Neb., Fire Chief selection process and remain in Los Alamos.
Hughes said he had applied for a job opening in Lincoln earlier this month with the goal of being closer to his family, who primarily reside in Nebraska. He said the decision to pursue the job in Nebraska or stay in Los Alamos had been very difficult.
“I spent many restless nights pondering the decision to stay with LAFD or go back to Nebraska,” he said, emphasizing that the importance of spending time with his family weighed heavily in his decision. However, after meeting with County Manager Harry Burgess last week to discuss his options, he was convinced that remaining in Los Alamos was the right decision.
“I want to personally thank County Manager Harry Burgess for spending time with me during this difficult decision, and for working with me to allow me a little more flexibility in my work schedule so that I can have more opportunities to make the trek back to Nebraska to take care of family needs,” Hughes said.
Burgess said that he is happy that Hughes has decided to stay in Los Alamos.
“Troy has provided valuable leadership that has moved LAFD forward at the local and regional level for a variety of quality fire, emergency and public safety initiatives. Through his efforts, LAFD has garnered international attention for their outstanding programs and training in just a few years,” Burgess said. “I appreciate his knowledge and skills not only as they relate to LAFD, but as a member of my senior management team for the County, and I am very pleased that he has decided to stay in Los Alamos.”
Hughes has been actively involved in the community since arriving in Los Alamos in 2011, and indicated that his numerous community connections and friendships influenced his decision to stay. He has been involved with Los Alamos Rotary, Los Alamos Public Safety Officers Association, the United Way, Leadership Los Alamos, and volunteering for the UNM-LA Citizens for Higher Education Committee.
Hughes said he finds that the quality and talent found in local organizations such as these and the wide range of volunteer opportunities that are available here is exciting, and he values that aspect of living in Los Alamos.
“We are very fortunate to live in such a great community comprised of so many great people who hail from all across our country as well as many parts of our world,” he said.
Hughes added that he was grateful for the support he had received from the members of LAFD as he struggled to make a decision about the possible move to Nebraska.
“I received many visits during the past two weeks from my LAFD family,” he said. “I am fortunate to be connected to so many great individuals.”
Hughes added that he is looking forward to the opportunity to lead LAFD into the future with several projects and initiatives.
“We are currently working with LANL to replace the two existing LANL fire stations. We are also in the process of replacing many of our response apparatus and instituting a new command system,” Hughes said. He noted that he will soon begin the process of hiring a new deputy chief, after the recent retirement of Deputy Chief Justin Grider – another exciting opportunity to enhance and build the LAFD leadership team in the coming years.
Hughes added that he has several local friends who also hail from the great state of Nebraska, and thus he will continue to get his “Nebraska fix” this fall as he and wife Jodi get together with other Cornhuskers’ fans living in Los Alamos – they typically meet on Saturdays to watch Nebraska football games together.