Greg Chia
District Fire Chief - Emergency Medical Services

District Chief Chia was hired on March 25th 1985. He was initially assigned to station #5, certified as a paramedic in 1987, promoted to Fire Medic in 1988 and promoted to Senior Medic in 1990. Chia was later assigned to station #6, where he was selected to receive Instructor level training in Swift Water Rescue. This was a precursor for the development of the Des Moines Water Rescue Team. Greg is a member of the Midwest Water Safety Council. He teaches departments across the state in Swift Water Rescue techniques. Participants are then certified at the Technician level. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996 and then to Captain in 1998.

In May 2002 Greg was promoted to District Chief. His responsibilities included oversight of five east side stations and personnel. In March of 2003, Greg transferred to Special Operations. He is responsible for Haz-Mat, which covers surrounding 8 counties, Water Rescue, Rope Rescue, Confined Space and Trench Rescue.

District Chief Chia is currently certified as a state paramedic specialist. Instructor level in Swift Water Rescue, Level ll as a Confined Space Technician, Level ll as a High Angle Rope Rescue Technician, Level lll as a Vehicle Extrication Technician and he holds certifications as FF 1 & 2, Fire Officer 1. Chia has A.S. Degree in Fire Science from D.M.A.C.C. and is currently enrolled at Simpson College as a senior in Management curriculum.