Kevin Samsel — Fire Chief
For Fire Chief Kevin Samsel, the Willard Fire Department’s burden of leadership rests upon his shoulders. Responsibility for his crew, the equipment they use, and the decisions that need to be made are things he does not take lightly.
Q: You stepped into the role of fire chief about a year ago, but your history with the Willard Fire Department goes back much further. How did that journey unfold?
Samsel: Over the past 17 years, I’ve climbed through the ranks from firefighter to engine captain to battalion chief and now serve as fire chief. That progression has given me a unique perspective on the department and the people who serve within it. In communities all around Springfield, service with a fire department isn’t just a concept or an ideal, it is a commitment lived out by men and women who call this place home, and our crew feels that responsibility every day.
Q: What makes the Springfield and Willard communities unique for firefighters serving here?
Samsel: Springfield and its surrounding suburbs sit at an interesting crossroads. The area is large enough to have urban characteristics, but surrounding towns still deeply shape the region with their rural values. For firefighters, that creates a sense of closeness that is almost tangible. Residents regularly stop by the station with homemade snacks or small tokens of appreciation. Those unexpected acts of gratitude mean a lot. It reminds us that the relationship between firefighters and the community runs both ways, and it often feels less like public service and more like neighbors helping neighbors.
Jonathan Brown — Lieutenant
Jonathan Brown didn’t originally plan to become a firefighter. In fact, a decade ago he had a steady job in Springfield with no plans for a career change.
Q: How did you first become involved with the Willard Fire Department?
Brown: My father-in-law was a firefighter, and one day he brought my kids to see a fire truck at the station. During the visit someone mentioned that the department was looking for volunteers, an opportunity I hadn’t even known existed. I decided to start volunteering, and it wasn’t long before that initial curiosity grew into a calling. From there, I pursued the necessary certifications and eventually made the decision to leave my job of 11 years to become a full-time firefighter. Today I’ve been serving for more than five years.
Q: Many people think firefighting is only about responding to emergencies. What other parts of the job are important?
Brown: While responding to emergencies is a central part of the job, much of the department’s mission happens long before a crisis. Education plays a major role. The goal isn’t necessarily preventing every emergency because emergencies are inevitable. Instead, we focus on preparing people to respond effectively when crisis situations arise. Another important part of the job is interacting with youth. When firefighters visit schools, we’re not just showing off equipment; we’re shaping how kids understand service and community.
Q: What changes are you seeing as the Springfield area continues to grow?
Brown: As the Willard and other Springfield suburbs continue to grow, local fire departments are evolving as well. Many have transitioned, or are in the process of transitioning, from fully volunteer departments to combination systems with both paid and volunteer firefighters. Inside the station, the department operates with the closeness of family, and that bond is something we intentionally keep strong. How things are established now, such as the culture and environment of the firehouse, will affect the future as the greater Springfield area continues to grow and expand.
Brett Fish — Captain
Captain Brett Fish’s journey into firefighting began with a simple invitation from a friend.
Q: What first introduced you to the fire service?
Fish: A friend from church had recently moved from Springfield to Willard and suggested that I try volunteering with the fire department. I decided to give it a shot. I enjoyed the experience and eventually decided to turn volunteering into a career. That decision nearly 12 years ago made me one of the original nine firefighters hired when the Willard Fire Department launched its full-time positions. Chief Samsel was also part of that same group.
Q: What does a typical shift look like for firefighters at the station?
Fish: Today I serve as an on-duty shift commander, working 48-hour shifts that require endurance and meticulous precision. Shifts usually begin early in the morning with firefighters arriving at 7 a.m. The day starts with a briefing from the shift we are replacing, followed by checking equipment and inspecting the fire truck. Training is built into every shift. Firefighters usually spend one to two hours practicing critical skills like search-and-rescue techniques, medical response protocols, and vehicle extrication. Continuing education also happens regularly to make sure crews are ready for whatever calls come in.
Inside the station, the department operates with the closeness of family, and that bond is something we intentionally keep strong. How things are established now, such as the culture and environment of the firehouse, will affect the future as the greater Springfield area continues to grow and expand.