ROB GAYLOR

The Thin Line Spotlight: New Westfield Fire Department Chief Rob Gaylor

Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Jamie Gallagher, WFD Volunteer Photographer

ROB GAYLORThe role of fire chief comes with years of experience, high-level responsibilities and a commitment to community service. Recently appointed Westfield Fire Department (WFD) Chief Rob Gaylor does not take that responsibility lightly. Gaylor has been with the WFD since 2004. Before that, he was certified as an emergency medical technician in 1995. 

Gaylor started as fire chief the first week of January. At the January 10 Westfield City Council meeting, Mayor Andy Cook swore him in.

“My goal is to tell the story of Westfield Fire Department and be an advocate for the people,” Gaylor says.

Gaylor succeeds Chief Marcus Reed, who retired at the end of 2021, but doesn’t see himself as Reed’s replacement. He says his time as fire chief is very small, and that the department existed long before him and will continue to exist long after he’s gone. 

“In my time here, previous chiefs have done great things for the organization and left their mark on it,” Gaylor says. “As I’ve been meeting with different stations, one thing I’ve been telling them is this is really their organization. I ask them where they want this to go, and I tell them it’s my job to lead them there.” 

Gaylor most recently served as deputy chief for the department, and the chief of training and operations. He started in administration in 2008, and is actively involved in several public safety service organizations including the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 5 Incident Management Team, Indiana Task Force One, Indiana Fire Instructors Association, and International Association of Arson Investigators.

“Indiana Task Force One is one of 28 FEMA urban search-and-rescue teams in the country,” Gaylor says. “It’s generally comprised of Marion County and the surrounding counties. We are deployed or sent somewhere across the country to help in the event of a disaster. Most recently, I was in Miami on the scene of the Surfside condo collapse.” 

His role within Indiana Task Force One is rescue specialist. That means if someone is in the water, Gaylor is in a suit doing the swimming. He not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk. ROB GAYLOR

“In meeting with a station recently, we responded to three calls in my short time there,” Gaylor says. “I think it’s good to get back on a fire truck, stay connected and do those things that keep me grounded. I believe in management by walking around. Riding on a fire truck is the best job in the world.” 

WFD currently employs 66 firefighters along with an administrative staff. Gaylor knows the role is a huge undertaking but is up for the challenge. WFD provides services beyond emergency response including public education and prevention via community events, building inspections, plan review, media campaigns, school visits, bilingual services, and grant writing. 

For more information, visit westfield.in.gov. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Send me your media kit!

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6486003", formId: "5ee2abaf-81d9-48a9-a10d-de06becaa6db" });