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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayThe Bloomfield City Council picked the 20-year-old Ottumwa firefighter over veteran local candidates, citing his full-time call volume
November 13, 2025 11:21 AM •
BLOOMFIELD, Iowa — The Bloomfield City Council appointed 20-year-old Daniel Oliver, a two-year Ottumwa Fire Department veteran, as its new fire chief following a 4–1 vote.
Oliver began with a high school job-shadow program and graduated from Davis County High School in 2023, KTVO reported. Ahead of the vote, Bloomfield firefighters urged the council to select an internal candidate.
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The council chose Oliver over interim Chief Brian Thomas, a roughly 12-year department veteran with additional prior firefighting experience, who stepped in after former Chief Jeff McClure retired in July 2025. Bloomfield volunteer firefighter Adam Bridgman was also a candidate for the job.
Despite firefighters’ urging the council to promote from within, Mayor Chris Miller backed Oliver, noting his full-time role in Ottumwa puts him on hundreds more calls each year than Bloomfield firefighters, yielding significant experience in just two years. Oliver started as chief on Nov. 7.
What do you think — is 20 too young to lead a department? How much should experience and call volume weigh against age and leadership potential in choosing a chief?
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at [email protected].
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