College alumnus Shawn Bayouth, class of 2005, was chosen from more than 50 applicants to be fire chief of Ames, Iowa on Wednesday.
Growing up in Seattle, Wash., a close family friend who was a battalion chief with the Seattle Fire Department sparked Bayouth’s interest in fire safety.
“As a child I used to visit the fire stations and help with fire prevention movies,” he said.
Bayouth graduated from the college with an associate degree in Fire Science. He furthered his education after leaving the college, recently completing a doctorate in industrial and agricultural technology from Iowa State University.
Bayouth said his experience at the college provided the jump start to his professional career.
“I tribute the quality of instruction, rich learning environment, and highly affordable education as some of the best benefits one can receive from [the college],” he said. “These things have helped me progressively move up the ladder in my profession.”
As fire chief of Ames, Bayouth said his goal is to promote the benefits of higher education as a way to establish the fire service as a worthwhile profession.
Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu