Q & A: Jason Wells, MBA ’18

Jason Wells, MBA ’18, was appointed as Lexington, Kentucky's new fire chief. Fittingly, his father, Jim Wells, who is a retired battalion chief from the fire department, pinned the new badge on his son. Jason is the 19th chief in Lexington Fire Department's 150-year history.

What have been some challenges you've faced?

The job of a firefighter is challenging and complex. There are so many facets to the job, from fire science and emergency medical training, to the stress of responding to critical incidents. Each promotion brings the additional challenge of supervising more and more individuals. In the stressful times I have encountered, I have found that leaning on your fellow firefighters is critical. That support network is one of the things that makes our profession unique.

Has there been a pivotal moment in your career?

I think many times we have a pivotal moment in our careers where we suddenly see things from a whole new perspective. I remember a fire on the west end of Lexington where the crews operated quickly and efficiently and saved a woman’s life from a house fire. I was on duty, but I did not get to the fire. The firefighter and lieutenant who made that rescue had both been assigned to my company for a long time. It was in that moment that I realized what my legacy on the job would be. My legacy as a firefighter has nothing to do with the fires I put out or even the people I helped. My legacy is about those who I have taught and led along the way who are now out there helping others.

Being in a leadership role since 2001, to you, what makes an effective leader?

Leadership centers on people. Our ability to lead is dependent on our ability to communicate well. Our membership needs to hear from us early, even if the response is “I don’t have all the answers right now.”

Additionally, leaders have to be able to relate to others. As the chief of this organization, I have to be able to speak the language of all of the stakeholders – membership, government, and citizens. That’s one reason I decided to pursue an Master's in Business Administration at Cumberlands. Concepts like budgeting and human resources functions are as important in the public sector as they are in the private. And it’s not just about the membership, it’s also about the government and citizens. Everyone has a perspective, and no one person’s perspective is any more important or any less important. Ultimately, we have to consider them all and figure out how to best serve the community.

I think the other side to that is understanding yourself and being true to your own values. At work and as a father, I hope to set the example of how we should treat others. I hope my daughter values kindness, respect, service, and courage, and I hope that the people I lead learn those values as well and watch me live by that same code.

The uniform and it's insignia gives a glimpse into the career of each person who wears it.

COLLAR BRASS These bugles represent rank. Lieutenant: 1 bugle, Captain: 2 bugles, Major: 2 crossed bugles, Battalion Chief: 3 crossed bugles, Assistant Chief: 4 crossed bugles, and Chief: 5 crossed bugles. These are also found on the sleeves as patches.

PATCHES Each fire company has their own unique patch. This identifies those that wear it to those they serve. This is worn on the left sleeve. On the right is an American flag patch.

RIBBONS These ribbons represent the awards that Chief Wells has received during his time as a firefighter. His awards include Staff Officer of the Year, Officer of the Year, Company Citation, Engine Company of the Year, Officer Academy, Haz Mat Service, and Firefighter Service.

STRIPES The stripes on the sleeves indicate a person's rank. 0 Stripes - Firefighter 1 Stripe - Lieutenant 2 Stripes - Captain 3 Stripes - Major and Battalion Chief 4 Stripes - Assistant Chief 5 Stripes - Fire Chief