Your Firefighters

CHIEF

John Whisenant Serving Since 2003

Fire Chief John Whisenant joined the Beaver Lake Fire Department in 2008. He began his fire service career as a volunteer with the Gallatin Volunteer Fire Department, located in Western Benton County (AR). After attending the Arkansas Fire Academy in 2005, Whisenant accepted a position as a contract firefighter in Iraq in 2006. Chief Whisenant spent four years between 2006 and 2011 serving in Iraq, promoting through the ranks of Driver Operator and Fire Prevention Officer. After returning home from Iraq in late 2011, Chief Whisenant began working for Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport as a dispatcher and eventually as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter/EMT.

Since joining the Beaver Lake Fire Department in 2008, Whisenant promoted to Captain/Training Officer in 2013, Interim Fire Chief in 2014 and after a regional candidate search, was appointed Fire Chief in 2015. His primary responsibilities include executive management and oversight of the entire Fire Department including Training, Operations, and Fire Safety/Education.

Chief Whisenant is credentialed as a Certified Fire Executive (CFE) through the Texas Fire Chief’s Association and an Arkansas Governmental Manager throught the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium. He has been an ambassador for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Rescue International (FRI) conference, A fire service textbook validation member with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Chief Whisenant is a member of the IAFC, NW Arkansas Metro Chiefs Association, and Benton County Fire Association.

DEPUTY CHIEF

Jon Wright Serving Since 1985

Deputy Chief of Operations Jon Wright, joined the Beaver Lake Fire Department in 2015. He was promoted to Captain/Training Officer in 2016 and Deputy Chief in 2017. Deputy Chief Wright began his fire service career in Texas in 1985, and was a volunteer Assistant Chief for the Hwy 94E fire department outside of Rogers, AR.

Deputy Chief Wright duties include oversight and management of the departments training and operations. Jon holds a Degree in Speech Communications. He currently serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Bella Vista (AR) Fire Department.

Captain

Todd Weber Serving Since 1996

Captain Todd Weber joined the Beaver Lake Fire Department in Spring 2017. He was promoted to Captain/Training officer in Fall 2018. Captain Weber began his fire service career in 1996 with the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department.

Captain Weber duties include planning and administering the departments training programs as well as an operations captain. As an operations Captain, Todd directly supervises both the on-duty Fire and EMS companies. Todd holds an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. He currently serves as a full-time Engineer/EMT with the City of Springdale (AR) Fire Department, where he is assigned to the Haz-mat station.

Captain

Jamie Baggett Serving Since 1995

Captain Jamie Baggett joined the Beaver Lake Fire Department in 2019. He began his fire service career as a volunteer with Avoca Volunteer Fire Department in 1994, Baggett accepted a position as a firefighter in Ft. Smith in 2000 and Bentonville Fire Department in 2002. He joined Bella Vista Fire Department in September 2014. Captain Baggett rose through the ranks at Pea Ridge Fire Department from firefighter to become the Fire Chief. A position he held from 2013 to 2019. Where he was over the implementation of upgrading the BLS ambulance to an ALS ambulance and Improving the ISO rating.

Captain Baggett duties include station and vehicle maintenance, as well as EMS operations Captain. As an EMS Captain, Baggett directly supervises both the on-duty Fire and EMS companies. Baggett holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Emergency Management from Arkansas Tech University. Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Safety and Health and Fire Science from Northwest Arkansas Community College, as well as an Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Paramedical Science from Crowder College. He currently serves as a full-time Engineer/Paramedic with the City of Bella Vista (AR) Fire Department where he is a member of the Hazmat Team.

Lieutenant

Chad Breeden Serving Since 2000

Lieutenant Chad Breeden joined Beaver Lake Fire Department in Spring 2018 and was promoted to Lieutenant in December 2018. Lieutenant Breeden began his fire service career in 2000 as a volunteer firefighter.

Lieutenant Breeden duties include direct supervision of the Fire and EMS Crews and other administrative duties. Chad is a well-rounded leader having worked in EMS, Fire, and as a certified Law Enforcement Officer. Since 2007 Chad has served as a an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) Captain/EMT, at NW Arkansas Regional Airport.

Lieutenant

Andy Guest Serving Since 2011

Lieutenant Andy Guest joined Beaver Lake Fire Department in 2015 and was promoted to Lieutenant in February 2019. Lieutenant Guest began his fire service career in 2011 joining a local volunteer department.

Lieutenant Guest duties include direct supervision of the Fire and EMS Crews and other administrative duties. Andy Began working as a fulltime Firefighter/EMT with the City of Bentonville (AR) Fire Department in 2013 where he has currently serves as an apparatus engineer, a member of the special operations team trained in various forms of technical rescue, as well as part of the agencies Arson Investigation team.

Lieutenant

Josh Acosta Serving Since 2006

Lieutenant Josh Acosta joined Beaver Lake Fire Department in Spring 2018 and was promoted to Lieutenant in December 2018. Lieutenant Acosta began his fire service career in 2006 with a combination fire department in Texas where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Acosta duties include direct supervision of Fire and EMS crews and other administrative duties. Josh relocated to NW Arkansas where he currently serves as a firefighter/emt with the City of Bentonville (AR) Fire Department.