Metro
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AMFEMS Announces New Chief - Patrick Walsh
Walsh Brings Nearly 3 Decades of Leadership Experience to Strengthen Community Safety and Operational Excellence
Louisville, Ky. (March 20, 2025) – Anchorage Middletown Fire and Emergency Medical Services (AMFEMS) is proud to announce Patrick Walsh as the new Fire Chief. The AMFEMS board conducted a national search culminating in choosing Walsh who will bring his 28 years of experience in fire service leadership and corporate management to the agency.
“I am honored to take on the role of Fire Chief for Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS,” said Chief Walsh. “I look forward to working alongside the talented team of firefighters, staff, and community leaders at AMFEMS who are committed to the highest levels of public safety and community responsibility.
“Patrick Walsh is committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and community engagement,” said Jim Yates, Chairman of the AMFEMS Board of Trustees. “We are confident his leadership will guide the department as it meets the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that AMFEMS remains a trusted and effective resource for all emergency services.
About Chief Patrick Walsh
• Chief Walsh joins AMFEMS after an exceptional career in fire service, most recently as Fire Chief of the McMahan Fire Protection District, where he turned a $500K deficit into a $100K surplus in three years.
• Led efforts to rebuild community trust, improve employee morale, optimize operations, and secure funding for new equipment and resources.
• Extensive executive experience, including serving as General Manager of Fire Investigations at National Fire Experts, where he improved financial performance and expanded market reach.
• Known for a leadership style focused on collaboration, efficiency, accountability, and cost-saving reforms while maintaining high service standards.
• Holds an MBA from Bellarmine University, a BS in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville, and extensive fire service training and certifications.
“I am honored to take on the role of Fire Chief for Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS,” said Chief Walsh. “I look forward to working alongside the talented team of firefighters, staff, and community leaders at AMFEMS who are committed to the highest levels of public safety and community responsibility.
“Patrick Walsh is committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and community engagement,” said Jim Yates, Chairman of the AMFEMS Board of Trustees. “We are confident his leadership will guide the department as it meets the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that AMFEMS remains a trusted and effective resource for all emergency services.
About Chief Patrick Walsh
• Chief Walsh joins AMFEMS after an exceptional career in fire service, most recently as Fire Chief of the McMahan Fire Protection District, where he turned a $500K deficit into a $100K surplus in three years.
• Led efforts to rebuild community trust, improve employee morale, optimize operations, and secure funding for new equipment and resources.
• Extensive executive experience, including serving as General Manager of Fire Investigations at National Fire Experts, where he improved financial performance and expanded market reach.
• Known for a leadership style focused on collaboration, efficiency, accountability, and cost-saving reforms while maintaining high service standards.
• Holds an MBA from Bellarmine University, a BS in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville, and extensive fire service training and certifications.
Chief Groody Retires
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Chief Groody commenced his service in January 1976 with the American Hose Company in Ashland, Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to safeguarding public safety. Joining the Worthington Fire Department in 1997, he ascended the ranks through unwavering resolve, culminating in his promotion to Major in January 2005. Chief Groody's pursuit of excellence saw him graduate from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program in 2013, enabling him to further guide and inspire the next generation of fire officers.
A visionary leader, Chief Groody assumed the role of Interim Fire Chief in October 2012 with remarkable success, later securing the position permanently in January 2013. His tenure as Chief was marked by an unwavering dedication to professionalism, innovation, and the community's safety and well-being. Following the merger of Worthington with Anchorage Middletown in 2019, Chief Groody continued his dedicated service as the Executive Assistant Chief before assuming the position of Fire Chief in 2020. Throughout his illustrious 27-year career, Chief Groody's unwavering commitment has left an enduring impact on the citizens of Jefferson County and Louisville Metro. His exceptional leadership, integrity, and unwavering devotion to duty have set a benchmark of excellence within the firefighting profession. Chief Groody's final day of service was on September 1, 2024, signifying the close of an exceptional chapter in his illustrious career. The Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS Department extends heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Chief Groody as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. |
Help Support The Smith Family
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It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sergeant Christian Smith. On July 29th, Christian tragically drowned while swimming at Barren River Lake.
We recognize the profound impact this loss will have on Christian's family, his crew, and our entire department. Sgt Smith was 35 years old and has been with the department since 2014. For those wishing to donate to support the family of our fallen brother, click the link. 100% of the proceeds will go to Christian's Family. https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=525DDCWQEXUJC |
"Into the Fire" Monthly Podcasts
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Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS is producing monthly podcasts to educate people about the activities of our agency and our members. Click the link below to see the full list of all of our pod casts. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-fire/id1675875643 |
Active Aggressor Drill held at Ford KY Truck Plant
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Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS coordinated an Active Aggressor Drill at the Ford KY Truck Plant which was held on June 28, 2023. |
“Heads-Up CPR”Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS First in Greater Louisville Area to Adopt “Head-Up CPR” Technology to Potentially Improve Survival rates from Sudden Cardiac Arrest
(Click on image to learn more) |
Click on image to learn more.
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About Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS
Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS (AMFEMS) is a fire protection district as provided for by Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS) Chapter 75. Our Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMTs operate from 11 fire stations to provide fire protection, fire prevention, advanced life support EMS response/transport, and rescue services to over 90 square miles of Louisville Metro, including portions of I-71, I-265, I-64, and the Ohio River. In 2019, AMFEMS was one of the first services in the nation to be recognized by the American Heart Association with a Mission: Lifelong Recognition Award for our dedication to applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve care and outcomes in our community.
Mission Statement:
Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS is committed to serving the dynamic needs of our community by utilizing our core values in a professional and compassionate manner.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to become a premier provider of emergency services within our industry committed to our community, stakeholders, and fiduciary responsibilities with highly trained and innovative personnel using world class equipment.
Values:
Integrity
Be honest, trustworthy, and authentic with durable moral principles
Service
Provide selfless and steadfast help and assistance that benefits others
Pride
Have a dignifying attitude with whom you are and constantly hold yourself to a higher standard
Respect
Show consistent admiration for all others and for your own abilities, qualities, and achievements
Responsibility
Take ownership of your moral duty to help and to deliver the highest level of service to our internal and external communities
Empowerment
Act with resolve to make decisions that help achieve the mission and vision of the department
Be honest, trustworthy, and authentic with durable moral principles
Service
Provide selfless and steadfast help and assistance that benefits others
Pride
Have a dignifying attitude with whom you are and constantly hold yourself to a higher standard
Respect
Show consistent admiration for all others and for your own abilities, qualities, and achievements
Responsibility
Take ownership of your moral duty to help and to deliver the highest level of service to our internal and external communities
Empowerment
Act with resolve to make decisions that help achieve the mission and vision of the department