Twenty-year veteran firefighter Brent Ham has been appointed the new Assistant Chief of the Dickson Fire Department.
Chief Ham fills the position following the retirement of Assistant Chief Kane Sesler after 31 years of service.
“Brent will do a great job as Assistant Chief,” said Dickson Fire Department Chief Richard Greer. “He’s always been a dedicated employee and has earned the respect of those around him through his knowledge, work ethic and leadership. I’m excited to see him step into this position and I know he’ll be a strong asset to the department, the City and our community.”
Ham began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Dickson Fire Department in 2003 and was hired full-time Sept. 18, 2006.
He served as a firefighter before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2014 and served for eight years. In 2023 he advanced to his current role as Training Captain for the department, where he leads training, mentorship and professional development for the department’s personnel.
Chief Ham completed the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician program at Volunteer State Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration, furthering his commitment to leadership and excellence in the fire service.
He also holds multiple certifications, including Firefighter I and II, Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire Instructor I and II, Airport Firefighter, Fire Officer 4, Incident Safety Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, multiple technical rescue credentials and American Heart Association CPR Instructor.
His dedication and skill earned recognition as the City of Dickson Firefighter of the Year in 2011 and the honor of receiving the City of Dickson Medal of Valor.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appointed Chief Ham to the Commission of Fire Fighting Personnel Standards and Education Board as a Fire Commissioner in 2025, reflecting both his expertise and commitment to advancing the fire service across the state.
A graduate of Dickson County High School, Chief Ham is a member of Walnut Street Church of Christ and enjoys watching and coaching his children in various sports activities. He and wife Whitney Perales Ham, an Emergency Room nurse at Horizon Medical Center, are proud parents of four children.
“I take great pride in serving my community and consider it an honor to work alongside the exceptional men and women of the Dickson Fire Department,” Chief Ham said.
The Town of Dickson officially organized a volunteer fire brigade with a hand-drawn hose cart in 1904 following two devastating fires in the downtown area. The first motorized fire engine was purchased in 1928. The department’s current Fire Station #1 on Church Street opened in 1964. Fire Station #2 in Pomona was added in 1991 and Fire Station #3 on Highway 70 East opened in 2023. The department is currently planning to build a new Station #2 and a fire training center on Marshall Stuart Drive. The department currently employs 60 full-time firefighters and staff.
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