Bruce Hildreth, CFO
Profile
Chief Nathan Hildreth is a transformational fire service leader with 29 years of experience, dedicated to operational excellence, firefighter safety, and community impact. As a Battalion Chief for the U.S. Army at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, he oversees emergency operations, planning, and community risk reduction for a population of 60,000+, leading 46 firefighters across four fire stations at the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi. His leadership ensures the protection of 22.4 million square feet of inspected space within the 3rd Infantry Division.
A seasoned incident commander, Chief Hildreth has personally led a substantial number of emergencies, including hazardous material incidents, high-risk technical rescues, and large-scale fire suppression efforts—all with zero firefighter casualties or significant property losses. His expertise spans policy development, accreditation processes, and strategic planning, driving efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
A credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Chief Hildreth is deeply committed to professional development and continuous improvement. His public service extends beyond the fireground—he serves as the Public Information Officer for the Marne Firefighters Association and volunteers in conjunction with his membership within veteran-focused organizations such as AMVETS, DAV, and the American Legion.
Chief Hildreth holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Purdue University, a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management, and multiple fire service certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Health and Safety Officer, and Paramedic (20+ years). A graduate of the DoD New Leader Program in Washington, DC, he has earned multiple performance and leadership awards.
Passionate about firefighter training, emergency response innovation, and leadership mentorship, Chief Hildreth seeks to enhance collaboration, training, and networking for federal and military fire services worldwide as a member of the International Fire Chiefs Association Federal and Military Fire Services Board.