Keeping the Family Tradition
Ashland Names New Fire Chief with a Familiar Name
Pamela Hall
Ashland Beacon
On March 1, Steve Alley became Ashland’s 19th Fire Chief. The Alley name is a familiar one in Ashland’s firefighter circles. Indeed, it has become somewhat of a family tradition for the Alley family.
Steve is a second-generation firefighter. His father, Hap Alley, joined the Ashland department in 1963 and served until 1989. Steve became a firefighter in Huntington in 1994. He moved to the Ashland department in 2001. Two of Steve’s sons, Luke and Jack also serve as firefighters in Ironton and Lexington, respectively. His third son, Eli, who is still a high school student, is a volunteer at Cannonsburg.
“I grew up around it,” Steve said. “I never pictured doing anything else.”
Steve’s appointment to Fire Chief is a result of his dedication and hard work. He rose through the ranks in Ashland, becoming Engineer in 2004, Captain in 2007, Battalion Chief in 2013, and Deputy Chief in 2018.
“I’m extremely blessed,” Steve acknowledged. “It’s a dream come true. My dad always said if you find something you love to do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s how it’s been for me for 28 years. It’s not just a job, it’s a calling for me.”
“I’m extremely proud of Steve,” said Amy Alley, Steve’s wife. “He started at the very bottom of the ladder and has climbed the rungs diligently. He has always learned and performed each position, giving his best. He reads, studies, and trains to keep himself abreast of new and innovative ways to better serve. The fire service has never been a job or career for Steve; it literally is his passion! One would be hard-pressed to find someone who works harder and strives to better the working conditions, morale and safety of his men.”
“I would be remiss in not stating that God has truly blessed Steve and our family,” Amy continued. “He has kept him safe and has opened many doors for him to have the opportunity to live out his childhood dream of being a firefighter.”
To say that Steve has the full support of his family would be an understatement. At the swearing-in ceremony, Steve was pinned by his three sons.
“He’s my hero,” said Luke after stating how proud he was of his dad. “Pinning him was a neat experience. I pinned him for his Deputy Chief position, then he returned the favor to me when I was hired on in the City of Charleston. Then, I got to pin him again when he made Chief. I hope he will pin me again one day if I ever promote. We keep going back and forth pinning each other.”
“It truly made me so proud when my dad was named Chief because I was able to see firsthand his hard work come to fruition,” said Jack. “Being able to pin my father was an honor and memory that I will forever cherish. Being able to learn from my dad, not only in life but in the fire service as well, has been such a blessing. My dad is an amazing father and will be an amazing Chief.”
“I’m very proud my dad got the job,” Eli said in agreement with his brothers. “He’s devoted his whole life to the fire department and I love to see him happy. I felt very honored to be able to pin him and all of us brothers have big shoes to fill.”
Steve is also very proud of his sons, who have followed in his footsteps, just as he followed in his father’s footsteps.
“I’m very proud to see the boys gravitate toward firefighting,” Steve remarked, “but it’s also a bit scary, too. You see some difficult things, but I’m glad they are doing what they want to do.”
Steve took over the Fire Chief position after the retirement of Greg Ray, who served the department for 32 years. Steve feels that Chief Ray left the department in great shape, giving him a solid foundation to work off of.
“I’m very honored and privileged to work with amazing individuals, making my job easier,” said Steve. “The programs that we are able to put forth are the result of the hard work of the crew and the caliber of people we have here. Hopefully, I will have several years to continue to contribute as well.”
Congratulations to Steve Alley and his family and thank you for your diligent service to Ashland and the areas you serve.
