Brian Athen is a dedicated fire service professional with over three decades of experience in emergency services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Southwest Baptist University and has earned the prestigious Chief Fire Officer Designation.

Brian began his career in emergency medical services, serving for 10 years as an EMT and Paramedic in Southwest Missouri before transitioning to the fire service. In 1999, he joined the Springfield Fire Department, where he served for 24 years. Throughout his tenure, he worked primarily in the Operations Division, with additional leadership roles as a Training Captain and Special Operations/EMS Chief. In these roles, he managed the department’s hazardous materials team, water rescue, and technical rescue teams.

In 2023, Brian retired from the Springfield Fire Department and joined the Ozark Fire Protection District as a Battalion Chief, continuing his commitment to public safety and leadership development.

Brian has been married for 22 years and has two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling with family and friends. Among his career highlights, he played a key role in planning and command operations during President Trump’s visit to Springfield. One of his most challenging experiences was managing PPE supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Brian is focused on mentoring and guiding young firefighters to ensure they have a rewarding and fulfilling career in the fire service.