MIDDLETOWN, Ohio – Middletown City Manager Ashley Combs has selected Middletown Division of Fire Deputy Chief Brian Wright to serve as the next Middletown Fire Chief. Wright will succeed Chief Tom Snively, who will be retiring in the coming weeks.
“With 23 years of dedicated service to the Middletown Division of Fire, Deputy Chief Wright brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership to this role,” City Manager Combs said. “I am confident he will serve the organization and the community with excellence.”
Wright began with the Middletown Division of Fire in 2002, rising through the ranks of squadperson, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. Through these roles, he has led as a company officer with a focus on fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS), later transitioning into a role within EMS Operations. As a captain, Wright oversaw EMS operations budget. Additionally, Wright played a critical role in the Division of Fire receiving the prestigious Ohio State of Life Award for life-saving efforts.
“I am truly honored and deeply humbled by the opportunity to represent the City of Middletown, our community, and the dedicated men and women of this outstanding organization,” Wright said. “I’m excited to lead our department into the future with pride and purpose.”
Wright holds numerous certifications, including Fire Officer I, II, III, and IV, State of Ohio Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, and Fire & Emergency Services Instructor. His technical rescue expertise includes hazardous material, confined space, rope rescue, and ice water rescue operations. Additionally, Wright completed the Company Officer Leadership Symposium (COLS) through the Southwest Ohio Fire Chiefs. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Command of Multi-Alarm Incidents course in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Most notably, he recently completed the Ohio Fire Executive (OFE) program—a rigorous 2.5-year master’s-level leadership program administered by the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Beyond his professional duties, Wright is deeply committed to the community. He has served on the Middletown Fire Union Local 336 Golf Committee, which has raised and donated over $30,000 to support the Middie Way Baseball Program, directly benefiting local youth.
Wright earned a degree in fire science from Eastern Gateway Community College, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is also a graduate of nearby Talawanda High School.