Meet the New Leaders: Timothy Dias, Fire Chief

Timothy Dias, a native of Paauilo, Hawaii, and NSA Souda Bay’s Fire Chief, comes to Team Souda from Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., where he served as the fire chief. Dias brings experience of 34 years as a firefighter and 15 years as a fire chief to Team Souda, along with firsthand knowledge of NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services department, serving as Team Souda's fire chief from 2006 to 2009 and again from 2012 to 2013. Dias leads a team of both U.S. and Greek firefighters to prevent fires and emergencies through inspections and education. They are prepared 24/7 to respond to medical, structural and flight line emergencies, if required.

How did you start your career as a firefighter?

I’ve been a firefighter since ’87. I actually got into the military to become a firefighter. On the Air Force side they actually have a technical school, so joining that service they provide the actual fire academy … so I got in the Air Force as a guaranteed firefighter and then after there I went back to Hawaii as a county firefighter. And then I got out of that because I missed traveling. So I got back into the federal system as a civilian because in the county you are landlocked, it’s an island, so actually coming in federal allowed me to travel the world again as a federal firefighter. I love the job regardless, so in any service, any discipline as far as Navy, Army, Air Force, I can work in all three of them and I can travel anywhere but in the same career field, so my career still stays the same.

What experience in your career best prepared you for your role here?

Well my previous experience here, of course, is number one. But two, I used to be the regional fire chief in [Navy Region] Southwest so it gives me a better perspective on being a better fire chief, so that’s probably the biggest thing. I’ve been a fire chief since 2006, bouncing around, (gaining) a lot of that experience and bringing it back here again I’ll be a better fire chief than I was before – a lot more experienced.

What are you looking forward to most about your time in Greece?

Just enjoying being involved in a community again, like I used to. We definitely know the area and a lot of the people in Greece and in Crete itself, so for us it’s actually coming home. We actually look at this as being our retirement home. After we’re done here I’ll be retiring soon and staying here.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Paddle boarding, diving. That’s pretty much the biggest thing – getting on the water. So even in the wintertime if it is a nice day I’ll get out on the board.

What do you want Team Souda to know about the Fire Department?

We’re here to serve, plain and simple. We’re here to serve and take care of our customers. Any need, any help, we’re here to support them.