ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Lock Haven Fire Chief Tyler Wooding is pictured while responding to an incident. Wooding is the first in Clinton County to earn credentials through the Pennsylvania Fire Service Program.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS
Lock Haven Fire Chief Tyler Wooding is pictured while responding to an incident. Wooding is the first in Clinton County to earn credentials through the Pennsylvania Fire Service Program.

LOCK HAVEN — The Lock Haven Fire Department announced that Fire Chief Tyler Wooding has officially become the first chief in Clinton County to earn credentials through the Pennsylvania Fire Service Credentialing Program.

The Pennsylvania Fire Service Credentialing Program evaluates nine core areas deemed essential for today’s fire service leaders. These include fire service experience, fire officer experience, formal education, officer-level certification, additional relevant certifications, professional development, association membership, community service outside the fire service, and a comprehensive self-evaluation. The final step in the rigorous process is an oral interview.

At the time of this announcement, only 43 fire chiefs across Pennsylvania have achieved this distinction, highlighting the significance of Wooding’s accomplishment.

Wooding’s credential reflects a strong commitment to leadership, professional growth and continued service to the community. His achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also represents a proud moment for the department and the residents it serves.

Wooding has served with the city’s fire department since 2003. In May 2014 he was named captain at the former Hope Hose Fire Company and later, following Chief Bob Neff’s retirement, was named chief of the fire department.

According to the fire company’s website, Wooding supervises fire prevention, emergency medical delivery system, fire operations and public education/fire investigation for the company.

Prior to serving here, Wooding spent nearly ten years moving up the ranks within the Lock Haven Fire Department serving as a firefighter/EMT as well as a driver/operator.

He is a second generation firefighter, with his father having spent over 30 years at the Citizens Hose Co. as a career driver/operator.