From Roanoke Fire-EMS: We are pleased to announce that Melvin Sanders is being promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief effective December 23, 2014 . Sanders will take over for Deputy Chief Jeff Beckner who retired earlier this year. Sanders has devoted nearly 30 years of service to the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department and the citizens of Roanoke. He has been a native of the City of Roanoke since 1962. He graduated from William Fleming High School and joined the armed forces as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Sanders started his career with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department on January 25, 1985. He rose through the ranks and most recently served as an operations Battalion Chief.
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During the course of his career, Sanders has served on many boards and has been actively involved in the recruitment of female and minority candidates. He is currently serving as chairman of the New Hire Committee, and his second term on the city’s Pension Board. “Chief Sanders was selected from a pool of ten candidates. He will be a great addition to our executive staff and brings years of knowledge and wisdom to his new role, “says Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief David Hoback. Please join the Office of the Chief in congratulating Melvin on this prestigious promotion.
