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  • MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN | THE EDMOND SUN Edmond Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Arnie Postier runs Tuesday afternoon at the agency's training site. Postier regularly runs there and will be doing some more running around Edmond after he retires on March 9.

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February 29, 2012

Veteran Edmond Fire official to retire

City promotes from within to fill deputy chief post

Mark Schlachtenhaufen The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Shortly after Arnie Postier was hired by the Edmond Fire Department in 1982, when he was a firefighter, he went on a memorable call.

Back then, firefighters rode at the rear of a truck standing on a tailboard. During this particular call, hail stones fell on Postier and his fellow crew members, clinking as they bounced off their helmets.

Just like mailmen, firefighters responded to calls no matter what, said Postier, chuckling as he told the story. His first structure fire call was putting out a kitchen fire.

“The whole kitchen was on fire and I put it out,” he recalled. “I thought I was pretty hot stuff.”

March 9 will be Postier’s last official day on the job with the Edmond Fire Department. During his three decades with the agency he’s served the citizens of Edmond as a firefighter, a fire prevention public education officer, an assistant training officer, a chief training officer and most recently as deputy fire chief.

“Arnie’s going to be sorely missed,” Edmond Fire Chief Gil Harryman said. “He’s been a tremendous help to the Edmond Fire Department and the Edmond community over these last 30 years.”

Postier was a key player in the creation of Fire Station No. 5 at the I-35 and Covell Road administrative office, assisted in the remodeling and expansion of Edmond’s four other stations and was a part of department growth — by a third — during the last 10 years, Harryman said.

Next week, Postier will begin training his replacement, Edmond Fire Capt. Ryan Lenz, hired by the EFD in 1981. Lenz begins work March 3.

Just as Postier’s leadership will be missed, the Fire Department will benefit from Lenz’s talents in that area, Harryman said. Lenz brings a lot of valuable experience, especially on emergency operations, he said.

“He is well respected in the department,” Harryman said.

Lenz and his wife Gay Lenz have a son, Caleb. Lenz has spent most of his career with the EFD as a captain, but has been a firefighter, driver, lieutenant and battalion chief. He is also a member of the EFD’s technical rescue and hazardous materials teams.

Lenz has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and an associate degree in municipal fire protection.

He is an adjunct instructor for Oklahoma State University’s fire service training where he teaches classes related to hazardous materials, fire service instruction, leadership and the national incident management system. He also teaches the classes in the City of Edmond and across the state.

Lenz said his goals for the Fire Department are to continue to help make it a leader in customer service safety, training and technology.

During his career, Postier has seen changes that include advances in technology such as personnel being equipped with defibrillators. Postier said another change has been the increase in medical-related calls. A growing number of EFD personnel are paramedics or are pursuing such training, he said.

Postier said as a trainer he has trained about 60 percent to 65 percent of current department personnel, individuals selected chiefly for their attitude, personality and their morals and ethics.

Being away from his own family in Oregon has magnified the firefighter family atmosphere, Postier said. Department personnel share their life’s experiences with one another, he said. He has also appreciated the support from the citizens of Edmond and serving them.

After his last day, Postier plans to travel to places including Nova Scotia and to Oregon for a family reunion. He is into fitness and will be seen around town running.

“It’s been a pleasure to work for the Edmond Fire Department and to serve the citizens of Edmond,” Postier said.



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

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