Chris Hupe appointed Deputy Fire Chief of Ocean Springs Fire Department

Ocean Springs, MS – The Ocean Springs Fire Department announces the appointment of Chris Hupe as its new Assistant Fire Chief.

Hupe has 15 years of fire service experience and brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to public safety to this important leadership role.

He joined the Ocean Springs Fire Department in 2012, where he started as a firefighter and steadily rose through the ranks.

“We are very pleased to promote Chris Hupe to Assistant Fire Chief,” said Fire Chief Ryan Heath. “He has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to our department’s mission and values. I am confident his leadership will continue to enhance our ability to serve and protect our community.”

As Deputy Fire Chief, Hupe will oversee the department’s operations. He will play a critical role in strategic planning, developing policies and ensuring the highest standards of service and safety for both the department and the community it serves. “I am honored to take on this new role and continue to work with the dedicated professionals of the Ocean Springs Fire Department,” said Hupe. “I look forward to contributing to the continued success and progress of our department as we strive to provide the best possible service to our residents.”

Hupe holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services and is a graduate of the Alabama Fire College Recruit Academy.

In 2021, he was promoted to Training Manager and developed and implemented numerous training programs that improved the overall competency of the department and ensured that all employees were well trained and informed of the latest practices and technologies.

In this role, he also coordinated and directed the development and delivery of numerous courses at the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Ocean Springs, including the 1001 Basic Recruit Academy and 1002 Apparatus Operations courses.

“In my new role as Deputy Chief, I plan to leverage my experience in training and development, leadership, organization, communication and problem solving and be committed to the continuous improvement of the Ocean Springs Fire Department. I will always look for ways to improve the performance and effectiveness of the department,” Hupe said.