Capital City Fire Rescue Announces 2025 Cardiac Arrest Survival Results; Exceeds State and National Benchmarks

Capital City Fire Rescue has finalized its 2025 Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) report, revealing cardiac arrest survival outcomes that exceed both Alaska and national averages.

In 2025, CCFR responded to numerous cardiac arrest incidents, including 26 confirmed out of hospital cardiac arrests. The department achieved an Overall Survival to Discharge rate of 15.4%, surpassing the current national average of 10.5% and the Alaska statewide average of 12.3%.

Most notably, CCFR achieved a 66.7% Utstein Survival Rate, which is the internationally recognized benchmark for witnessed cardiac arrests involving a shockable heart rhythm. This performance is approximately double the current national benchmark of 33.4%.

“These results are a direct reflection of a community that refuses to stand by during an emergency,” said Tom Hatley, Fire Chief of Capital City Fire Rescue. “While our paramedics and EMTs provide advanced medical care, lives are saved because citizens start CPR, dispatchers provide lifesaving instructions, police officers and firefighters arrive quickly, and hospital staff continue that care. This is truly a community wide success story.”

2025 Performance Highlights:

  • Bystander CPR Rate: 68.2%, Juneau continues to lead in community intervention, with bystander CPR rates consistently well above national averages.
  • Utstein Survival Rate: 66.7%. Double the national benchmark for witnessed cardiac arrests involving shockable rhythms.
  • Overall Survival to Discharge: 15.4%. Exceeding both Alaska and national survival averages.
  • Neurological Outcomes: 11.5%. Patients discharged with “Good” or “Moderate” neurological performance, allowing survivors to return to their families and daily lives with quality outcomes.

CCFR credits these outcomes to strong partnerships between the community, emergency dispatchers, Juneau Police Department personnel, healthcare providers, and highly trained EMS responders. The department also emphasized the importance of public CPR training and rapid activation of 911 during medical emergencies.

“Every second matters during cardiac arrest,” Hatley said. “The willingness of our community members to step forward and begin CPR before responders arrive continues to make a tremendous difference.”

Residents interested in CPR, AED, and First Aid training opportunities can find upcoming classes through Juneau Pools and the American Red Cross.

For more information, contact Capital City Fire Rescue at 907-586-5322.

May 7th, 2026|

Capital City Fire Rescue Chief Rich Etheridge Retires After Over 25 Years of Service  

Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) Chief Rich Etheridge quietly retired on the last day of December 2025 after 27 years with the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and 34 years supporting Alaska’s public safety.  

“Chief Etheridge provided steadfast leadership at CCFR and navigated many challenges with courage and positivity,” says CBJ Deputy City Manager Robert Barr. “We are grateful for his exemplary service to our community and are excited for him and his next chapter.” 

Chief Etheridge is a born-and-raised Juneau local and lifelong Alaskan. His history with CCFR began in 1992, when he started volunteering at one of Juneau’s stations. His career eventually brought him to the Kenai Peninsula, where he patrolled and ran the region’s Village Public Safety Operations program as an Alaska State Trooper. Chief Etheridge later returned to CCFR as a Fire Marshal and in 2010, was appointed as the department’s next Fire Chief. 

Chief Etheridge leaves a lasting impact on public safety in Juneau. During his time as Fire Chief, CCFR strengthened Juneau’s emergency prevention services in many ways, including by managing the sobering center, launching the Mobile Integrated Health program, and leading the Mobile Crisis Response program. Under Chief Etheridge, the department also established an apprenticeship program to train local Emergency Medical Technicians and led Juneau’s implementation of COVID-19 testing centers.  

“Everyone was frustrated because nobody had the resources to make the COVID-19 response happen,” he explains. “So, we stuck our hand up and said, ‘we’ve got this.’” 

In his retirement, Chief Etheridge has two messages for Juneau residents: watch out for your safety and consider emergency services as a career.  

“Down the road, you hear from patients who remember how we treated them,” he shares. “It might be an ordinary call to us, but for them, it’s a life-changing moment. We really are having a huge impact on the community.” 

Tom Hatley will join CCFR on February 9, 2026 as the department’s next Fire Chief. Cindy Carte, CBJ’s Human Relations manager, is active chief during the interim.  

For media requests, contact the CBJ Communications & Engagement division at [email protected].  

January 21st, 2026|

Capital City Fire Rescue Fills Five Positions with New Apprenticeship Program

Five firefighter apprentices were officially sworn in as members of Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) in October 2025, addressing vacancies in Juneau’s fire department. These apprentices are a part of CCFR’s new apprenticeship program for locals to earn firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications while actively working in the department.  

“The plan is to get locals with roots in our community the skills for a stable career and a reason to stay in Juneau,” said former CCFR Fire Chief Rich Etheridge. “I think this program is going to solve recruitment and retention in the fire department.” 

Like other fire departments around the country, CCFR has faced a shortage of applicants qualified to join the department. CCFR’s Assistant Chief, Sam Russell, says that’s because it’s difficult to get certified. Before the apprenticeship, the only option local applicants had to earn their certifications was to volunteer outside of their other responsibilities.  

Small departments, like Juneau’s, also have trouble providing training on top of meeting community needs.  

“Our solution was to hire people that can work for us while getting certified, so they’re actually filling ambulance seats,” said Assistant Chief Russell. “The apprentices relieve pressure on the department, so we’re able to provide training.” 

The five apprentices completed their EMT certifications before swearing into the force. They will help with the around 5000 calls that CCFR gets in a year.  

For Justis Paden, one of the apprentices, CCFR’s apprenticeship program opens the door to new opportunities. Paden was working in the tourism industry and taking college classes part-time when he heard about the program.  

“I was thinking of becoming a paramedic, but I wasn’t sure how to get there,” Paden said. “With the department, they’ll advance me to paramedic and give me the training, while I’m being paid.” 

CCFR leadership hopes to continue the CCFR’s new apprentice program. Along with their high school cadet program, they hope to see more firefighters in Juneau. 

For media inquiries, contact the CBJ Communications & Engagement division at [email protected].  

Capital City Fire Rescue apprentices Kajson Cunningham and Justis Paden graduate from the program in October 2025.

 

January 21st, 2026|

CBJ Appoints Thomas Hatley as Fire Chief of Capital City Fire Rescue

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Hatley as the new Fire Chief for Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR). Chief Hatley’s first official day in the role will be February 9.

“CBJ is excited to welcome Chief Hatley to our community and look forward to having his extensive and relevant experience available to our dedicated first responders and support staff,” says CBJ Deputy City Manager, Robert Barr.”

Chief Hatley brings more than 30 years of progressive fire service leadership to Juneau, with experience across multiple agencies in the Northwest, including Idaho and Washington. His career includes service as Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal, Division Chief, and Captain. Most recently, he served as Deputy Fire Chief for the Spokane Valley Fire Department, where he oversaw major operational divisions, guided strategic planning and accreditation efforts, managed multimillion-dollar capital projects, and led interagency coordination initiatives.

“I am honored to join the City and Borough of Juneau and the dedicated professionals of Capital City Fire Rescue,” shared Chief Hatley. “After more than three decades in the fire service, I have learned that the strongest departments are built on relationships, trust, and pride in serving the community. I am thankful for the leadership of retiring Fire Chief Rich Etheridge and the solid foundation he leaves behind. I am looking forward to getting to know the Juneau community, listening to what matters most to residents, and being present where the fire department can make a difference. Juneau’s geography, weather, and isolation make teamwork and preparation essential, and I am excited to work alongside our firefighters, city leadership, and community partners to keep Juneau a safe place to live and work.”

As fire chief, Hatley will serve as the administrative leader of CCFR, providing departmental leadership and guidance on emergency response and preparedness, fire prevention and community risk reduction, strategic planning, workforce development, interagency relations and community engagement.

Chief Hatley succeeds Fire Chief Rich Etheridge, who retired on December 31, 2025, after over 27 years of exemplary public safety service with CBJ and CCFR. Cindy Carte, CBJ HR Manager, stepped in as Acting Fire Chief on January 1 to provide steady leadership and continuity between Chief Etheridge’s retirement and Chief Hatley’s arrival on February 9.

January 16th, 2026|

City and Borough of Juneau Announces Two Finalists for Capital City Fire Rescue Chief

The City and Borough of Juneau is pleased to announce two finalists for the position of Fire Chief for the Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR). The public is invited to participate in the final interview process by attending community presentations and submitting their feedback next week. Further details are provided below.  

 CCFR Fire Chief Finalists (in alphabetical order):  

Tom Hatley 

Thomas Hatley brings more than 30 years of progressive fire service leadership, with experience in roles as Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal, Division Chief, and Captain across multiple agencies in the Northwest. He most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief for Spokane Valley Fire Department, where he oversaw major operational divisions, guided strategic planning and accreditation, managed multimillion-dollar capital projects, and led interagency coordination. Mr. Hatley has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.   

Sean Wisner 

Sean Wisner is a seasoned fire service executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across municipal, industrial, and critical-infrastructure environments. He currently serves as Fire Chief for Alyeska Pipeline Fire & Rescue, where he leads a 75-member organization responsible for protecting the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and Valdez Marine Terminal. Additionally, he is the founder of a leadership consulting firm specializing in organizational resilience and performance.  Mr. Wisner has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Appalachian State University and a Master of Security and Disaster Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.   

The finalists for the CCFR Chief were selected after initial screening by the Human Resources and Risk Management Director and interviews with the City Manager’s Office. Prior to the initial interviews, the Managers Office additionally sought to understand the needs and priorities of CCFR staff and what they are looking for in a future Chief.  All finalists will participate in an on-site selection process, including meetings with CCFR staff and a public presentation.  

The public is invited to the presentations by each finalist in the City Hall Assembly Chambers at the following times: 

  • Sean Wisner, Monday, December 15, 5:00 p.m. 
  • Tom Hatley, Tuesday, December 16, 5:00 p.m. 

After each presentation, the public is welcome to submit feedback on each candidate. Feedback forms will be available and at the event to provide to the City Manager for consideration in the final selection of CCFR’s next Chief.  

For media inquiries, please contact Human Resources and Risk Management Director Dallas Hargrave at (907) 586-5250 or [email protected]. 

December 11th, 2025|
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