Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer announces the appointment of the City’s new Chief of Fire and EMS.

Aaron Cook currently serves as a fire captain and paramedic in the department and brings more than 22 years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical services to the role. Cook will take over for Shawn Wallis, who retires in December after leading the department for the past eight years. Passauer says Cook has big boots to fill as he succeeds Chief Wallis.

Cook is a two-time recipient of the Paramedic of the Year award with the Independence department and has also received multiple lifesaving awards with both the Independence and Cherryvale departments. Cook says he values clear communication and collaboration, and he is very excited to put his skills and experience to work in this role.