Brent Ham Named Assistant Chief of the Dickson Fire Department
Photo: Brent Ham (City of DIckson)
Dickson, TN — The City of Dickson has promoted longtime firefighter Brent Ham to serve as the new Assistant Chief of the Dickson Fire Department.
Ham steps into the role following the retirement of Assistant Chief Kane Sesler, who concluded a 31-year career of service.
“Brent will do a great job as Assistant Chief,” Fire Chief Richard Greer said in a statement. “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.”
A Career Built Inside the Department
Ham’s career reflects a steady rise through the department’s ranks over more than two decades.
He began as a volunteer firefighter in 2003 and was hired full-time on Sept. 18, 2006. After years serving on the line, he was promoted to lieutenant in 2014, a position he held for eight years. In 2023, he advanced to Training Captain, where he oversaw instruction, mentoring and professional development for department personnel.
His education and certifications mirror that training-focused leadership path. 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 a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration.
He also holds a long list of professional credentials, including:
Firefighter I & II
Fire Apparatus Operator
Fire Instructor I & II
Airport Firefighter
Fire Officer IV
Incident Safety Officer
Hazardous Materials Technician
Multiple technical rescue certifications
American Heart Association CPR Instructor
His service has previously been recognized locally — he was named the City of Dickson Firefighter of the Year in 2011 and received the City of Dickson Medal of Valor.
In 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Ham to the Commission of Fire Fighting Personnel Standards and Education Board as a Fire Commissioner, highlighting his influence beyond the local department.
“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,” Ham said.
Community Roots
A graduate of Dickson County High School, Ham remains closely connected to the community he serves. He attends Walnut Street Church of Christ and spends much of his free time watching and coaching his children in sports.
His wife, Whitney Perales Ham, works as an emergency room nurse at TriStar Horizon Medical Center. Together they have four children.
A Growing Department
Ham’s promotion comes as the Dickson Fire Department continues expanding alongside the city’s growth.
Dickson’s fire protection dates back to 1904, when a volunteer brigade formed after two devastating downtown fires. The department purchased its first motorized fire engine in 1928. Fire Station #1 on Church Street opened in 1964, Station #2 in Pomona in 1991, and the newest Station #3 on Highway 70 East opened in 2023.
City officials are now planning a new Station #2 and a dedicated fire training center on Marshall Stuart Drive. The department currently employs about 60 full-time firefighters and staff.
With the promotion of a career firefighter who has spent more than twenty years inside the organization, city leaders say the department’s leadership transition aims to maintain continuity while preparing for future growth.