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Chief Officers

Chief Todd Miller

Todd Miller

Fire Chief

Fire Chief Todd Miller is a native of Flagstaff and was hired by Highlands Fire District (HFD) in 2001. Over the years he was able to progressively develop knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities while working through the ranks from Firefighter to Engineer, Captain, and Battalion Chief. Prior to his promotion to fire chief, he started and ran the organization's Health and Wellness program, served as the Battalion Chief over Operations and Training, was heavily involved in hiring and promotional processes, served as the VP of the Highlands Chapter of Local 1505, was a 3 time recipient of Firefighter of the Year, and has proudly served on the Honor Guard since starting as a founding member in 2006. Including jobs prior to HFD, and owning his own business, Chief Miller has over 30 years of experience in formal leadership/managerial roles. He has obtained an Associates of Applied Science degree in Fire Science through Coconino Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership through Columbia Southern University. "As an organization we have changed, developed, and advanced in many positive ways and I am honored to have been a part of these changes over the last 23 years. I am very proud of HFD's commitment to exceptional customer service and community-oriented focus, this will continue to be a priority for us." - Chief Miller »
Chief Josh Pond

Josh Pond

Battalion Chief - A Shift

Josh is the Battalion Chief assigned to A Shift and also functions as the Logistics Battalion Chief for Highlands Fire District. Josh started with the District in 2004, beginning as a volunteer / firefighter and he recently promoted to Battalion Chief in November 2023. Josh has earned AAS degrees in Paramedicine and Fire Science from Coconino Community College and a BS in Biology from Northern Arizona University. He grew up within the District boundaries and feels blessed to serve the communities that helped raise him. He enjoys the unique challenges and opportunities that working for Highlands Fire District provides. During his days off he enjoys teaching for the local EMT & Paramedic programs, mountain biking, reading, and enjoying time with his family. »
Chief Mitch Lopez

Mitch Lopez

Battalion Chief - B Shift

Mitch Lopez is the Battalion Chief for B Shift and serves as the Operations Chief for Highlands Fire. Mitch is a proud 4th generation native of Flagstaff, has dedicated himself to the firefighting profession since joining the Highlands Fire District in 2005. Mitch began his career by earning his certifications and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Coconino Community College, where he later contributed to the Fire Science Program as an employee. Throughout his career, Mitch has risen through the ranks, reaching the position of Battalion Chief in 2021. His commitment to the fire service is evident through his roles on the L-1505/UHFF Honor Guard and as a Greater Flagstaff Region Cadre Instructor at the regional recruit academy. Mitch also managed the department's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program and played a key role in implementing a regional PPE specification that remains in use today. Outside of his professional achievements, Mitch is a dedicated family man. He has been married to his wonderful wife Krista since 2007 and is a proud father of two. »
Chief Chris Pond

Chris Pond

Battalion Chief - C Shift

Battalion Chief C. Pond started with Highlands Fire District in 2002 as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired full time in 2005 and during that time held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, & Captain until his promotion to Battalion Chief in June 2023. Chris was assigned to C Shift upon promotion and serves as the Plans Battalion Chief for the organizational structure. Chris grew up in within the boundaries of the Highlands Fire District and his service to the organization extends a service period of over 40 continous years of service to Highlands Fire District starting with his dad and continuing with Chris and his brother. »