AMFEMS Announces New Chief - Patrick Walsh​

Sal Melendez • March 21, 2025

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.

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Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS' (AMFEMS) Office of Public Information is led by Public Information Officer (PIO) Salvador Melendez. "Sal" holds numerous certifications for his position. As the department’s public information officer, Sal is the primary media spokesperson, responsible for keeping the public informed, managing emergency and non-emergency communications during department-related activities, maintaining and growing a professional relationship with the news media and the community, and showcasing all the great services and initiatives provided by Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS. Follow us @AnchorageMiddletown. You may reach him by email at pio@amfems.org or by phone or text at ​502-887-0810.