Who we are

Fire Chief Brad Shelton has dedicated nearly three decades of service to the fire service and the Metro West Fire Protection District. He began his career in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter with Metro West before serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Maplewood Fire Department. In 2000, he was hired by Metro West as a Firefighter/Paramedic, marking the beginning of a distinguished career defined by steady advancement, operational leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Chief Shelton was promoted to Lieutenant in 2007, Captain in 2009, Battalion Chief and Chief Medical Officer in 2015, and Deputy Chief in 2017. In August 2025, he was appointed Fire Chief of the Metro West Fire Protection District.

Over the course of his career, Chief Shelton has been instrumental in the development of public education, community relations, and injury prevention programs within the district. His leadership has also been pivotal in advancing community risk reduction strategies, firefighter health and wellness initiatives, and pre-hospital emergency medical care. As Chief Medical Officer, he directed all aspects of Metro West’s advanced life support operations, setting a high standard for patient care and clinical performance.

A graduate of Murray State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Chief Shelton also holds an associate degree in Fire Science. He is nationally certified as both an Incident Safety Officer and Health Safety Officer and has completed extensive advanced training in emergency medicine, fire service leadership, and incident command.

Chief Shelton’s leadership is grounded in experience, both in the field and at the labor management table. He served for over a decade as Shop Steward of the Metro West Firefighters Union, where he worked to strengthen collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across the organization.

Today, as Fire Chief, he is committed to leading the Metro West Fire Protection District with professionalism, integrity, and vision. He ensures the district continues to set the standard for fire and EMS services in the region.

Chief Shelton is married, has three children, and resides in Wildwood, Missouri.

Deputy Chief Mike Digman serves as the chief of operations and training for the Metro West Fire Protection District. He has been a dedicated member of the Metro West team since 1997 and is a strong advocate for professional training and development within the fire service. Chief Digman holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science and a master’s degree in human resource management from Lindenwood University.

Chief Digman serves as president of the St. Louis County Special Operations Team and is the program manager for the urban search and rescue (USAR) group. This team is made up of members from multiple St. Louis County fire agencies and is tasked with search and rescue and HAZMAT response for the county. He manages the Metro West Dive/Rescue program, the only subsurface water rescue team in St. Louis County. Chief Digman has deployed to support several major disaster responses, including hurricanes, flooding in Colorado, an Amazon warehouse tornado collapse, the Joplin, Missouri tornadoes, and multiple water rescue operations.

Chief Digman also directs Metro West’s Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) International Accreditation process. This ongoing assessment evaluates the district’s response performance, community risk analysis, and critical tasks to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.

Chief Digman contributes to the fire service industry on a national level, serving on an advisory committee for the research and development of firefighting personal protective equipment. He is also an active participant in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standard, helping to shape national guidelines for resource deployment and response.

Chief Digman and his wife, Amy, reside in Wildwood with their two daughters.

Deputy Chief Blake Chambers has dedicated his career to advancing emergency medical care and public safety across the St. Louis region. He began his service in 2004 at St. Luke’s Hospital as an Emergency Department Technician before moving into field EMS with Abbott Ambulance, the St. Louis Fire Department, and the University City Fire Department. In 2009, he joined the Metro West Fire Protection District as a Firefighter/Paramedic, marking the beginning of more than 16 years of service to the community.

At Metro West, Chambers was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018, Captain in 2019, and Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services in 2025. In his current role, he oversees all aspects of EMS delivery, training, and innovation within the district. His leadership is defined by compassion for patients, a commitment to professional standards, and a focus on firefighter wellness and operational excellence.

Chambers also played a key role in labor leadership as the Metro West Fire Fighters Union Shop Steward for several years. In that role, he led contract negotiations and worked closely with District leadership to continuously improve services for the community while supporting and representing the membership.

Deputy Chief Chambers holds an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Technology from St. Louis Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri, Saint Louis. He maintains specialized certifications in Blue Card Command, Rope Rescue, Vehicle Rescue, and Confined Space Operations, underscoring his broad expertise and dedication to service.

Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal Joe Haefer began his fire service career with the Shrewsbury Fire Department, where he served for three years as a firefighter/paramedic. In 1999, he joined the Metro West Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter/paramedic and was hired in a full-time capacity in 2000. He steadily advanced through the ranks, earning promotions to lieutenant in 2009, captain in 2013, and battalion training officer in January 2016. Later that year, he was promoted to battalion chief and served as a shift commander until November 2023.

Chief Haefer’s strong interest in fire prevention led him to transition to the Division of Fire Prevention, where he served as battalion chief / assistant fire marshal. Throughout 2024, he worked closely with Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal Rod Cook, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the division. Following Chief Cook’s retirement, Chief Haefer was promoted to deputy chief / fire marshal in January 2025.

Chief Haefer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lindenwood University and an associate’s degree in fire protection and paramedic technology. He has completed numerous leadership training courses through the National Fire Academy and FEMA. Chief Haefer also holds certifications as a fire officer, fire instructor, fire inspector, plans examiner, and fire investigator through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.

An active member of the St. Louis Area Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Chief Haefer is a trained technician in structural collapse, rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, and swift water rescue. His dedication and service were recognized with the prestigious Chief’s Commendation in 2013.

Chief Haefer and his wife, Linda, reside in Wildwood with their four children.

Battalion Chief Travis Bauer started with the Metro West Fire Protection District in 1994 as a volunteer Firefighter. In 1999, Chief Bauer started as a career Firefighter/Paramedic with Metro West. In 2011, he was promoted to Engineer/Paramedic, then, in to the position of Lieutenant in 2011. In 2015, he was promoted to Captain then in May of 2016 he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief, Shift Commander of “B” Shift.

Chief Bauer has received two Unit Citation awards presented by The Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chief’s Association. He was also selected by the Knights of Columbus as Firefighter of the Year in 2015. Chief Bauer presently has six Lifesaving Phoenix Awards which means he has participated in over 18 clinical saves in his career.

He has earned and Associates Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and currently completing a Bachelors Degree in Fire Administration.

Born and raised in the Ballwin area, Chief Bauer resides in Wildwood with his wife and four children.

Battalion Chief Mark Moore began his career with Metro West Fire Protection District in 1990, coming from the City of St. Louis Emergency Medical Services. With over 35 years of experience in emergency services, Mark has served the district as a lieutenant beginning in 2000, captain in 2002, and was promoted to battalion chief in 2021. Mark is one of three chief officers who lead a shift of thirty firefighter paramedics and five stations.

Chief Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Columbia Southern University, an associate degree in Paramedic Technology, and is an Internationally Accredited Chief Fire Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Mark holds technician-level certifications in Structural Collapse, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Hazardous Materials. Mark is a state-certified Fire Officer and Fire Service Instructor. He is also a UASI Strike Team 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team member for the St. Louis region.

Chief Moore has been a strong firefighter health and wellness advocate throughout his career and is a leader of the Health and Wellness Committee for the District.

Mark resides in Ballwin with his wife and youngest of three children.

Dave Kupfer begins this year with a new role as he was recently promoted to battalion chief. Dave is most looking forward to sharing his extensive experience with younger employees, allowing them to grow into their roles as firefighters and officers. Dave carries with him vast experience over a rewarding career.

After graduating from high school, Dave aimed to become an EMT and set off on the journey with his best friend since 5^th grade, Chris Zang. Dave’s formal entry into the emergency medical services (EMS) started at Christian Hospital EMS in 1989. While working full-time, he attended paramedic school, obtaining his license in 1991. In August 1991, he joined the University City Fire Department, remaining part time with Christian Hospital EMS until 1996.

A significant turning point occurred in May 1993 when Dave joined the Ballwin Fire Protection District. Dave’s career within the fire service evolved, and in 1997, he became an engineer, working on the rescue truck out of Station 1 in Ballwin. This role exposed him to diverse experiences, allowing him to run challenging calls. In 1999, he moved up the ranks to lieutenant, followed by a promotion to captain in 2001.

When asked why he enjoys being a firefighter, Dave emphasizes the camaraderie with his coworkers. He expresses genuine enjoyment in running calls and finding fulfillment in the unique challenges the fire service offers.

Dave holds several technical rescue certifications including structural collapse, high-angle rope, confined space, and trench rescue. He is also certified in boat operations with a focus on side sonar scanning. Dave pursued his passion for knowledge by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Pikes Peak Community College in 2000.

Dave actively participated in the union as shop steward with his motivation stemming from a deep belief in the people he worked with. It was also this commitment which influenced his decision to climb the ranks to continue supporting those within the organization.

Outside of work, Dave shares a love for travel with his wife, Patti. Together they have explored Europe, visiting Amsterdam, Milan, and Paris. One of their favorite trips was to New York City. Dave is a proud father of three children: Zak (29), Shannon (28), and Lucas (26). He enjoys playing golf with his long-time friend Chris Zang, who ended up working on the same fire truck as Dave at Metro West.

Michael Thiemann has served the Metro West Fire Protection District since 2003, where he began his career implementing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and supporting public relations and education initiatives. He was promoted to Division Chief of External Affairs & Emergency Management in 2018. In this role, he oversees Administration Services, Life Safety Education Programs, Media Relations, Emergency Management, Public Information, Community Relations, and special projects.

Since 2022, Mike has served as Team Manager for the Missouri Region C Incident Support Team, leading coordinated responses to complex emergencies across the region. He is also a FEMA Type III Planning Section Chief. Beyond operational response, he contributes to statewide leadership as Treasurer of the Missouri Fire Service Alliance and Treasurer and Board Member of the St. Louis Metro Fire Service Alliance. A founding member of the Meramec Valley Citizen Corps Council, he has served as Council President and remains active in CERT throughout St. Louis County.

Over his more than two decades of service, Mike has also held roles as Coordinator of Emergency Management and PIO for Metro West, Adjunct Faculty in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Response Operations Leader with Witt O’Brien’s. His career reflects both field-level response and executive-level leadership in emergency management, planning, and public information.

Mike earned a master’s degree in management & leadership from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from Grand Canyon University. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including Educator of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Life Saving Award, and Heroic Action Commendation. He also holds numerous certifications in emergency management, disaster response, and fire service executive planning through the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute.