Broken Arrow Fire Chief Jeff VanDolah to retire from department April 19

BROEKN ARROW - The City of Broken Arrow announced Monday that Fire Chief Jeff VanDolah will retire from the Broken Arrow Fire Department, effective April 19.

VanDolah has served as the fire chief since April 2011. He began his career with the BAFD in 1984 as a firefighter. VanDolah left the department in 1995 and worked with the Tulsa Fire Department until 2011.

"After 29 years of working with BAFD and TFD, I found it was time," VanDolah said Tuesday morning. "I have enjoyed every second that I have been in Broken Arrow, but I feel that it is time to move on."

During the his two years as fire chief, VanDolah is credited for hiring 24 news members to the department, filling several key staff positions, establishing Broken Arrow's first written mutual aid with TFD, and supervising construction of  Station No. 2, the city said in a release Monday.

He is also responsible for a successful ISO audit, which allowed for Broken Arrow to retain its “2” rating, among many other accomplishments.

"The most rewarding thing that I have experienced is the relationships I have built in the department and within the City of Broken Arrow that I fully intend to keep," VanDolah said. "I am long-time member of this community, and that is a connection that is not going away."

VanDolah said he will be taking a position in the private sector in insurance.