Jan 12, 2023

๐ŸŽ™King in the Community: Meet Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar

Posted Jan 12, 2023 1:05 PM

By NATE KING
Salina Post

With over 28 years in firefighting experience, Tony Sneidar, Salina Fire Department chief, knows what it takes to lead a fire department โ€” firefighters who are committed to keeping their neighbors safe. Sneidar joined the Salina Department last year after a nationwide search.

Philly roots

Sneidar grew up in Philadelphia. Following high school, he joined the Army as a military police officer. 

S<b>FD Fire Chief Anthony Sneidar Jr.&nbsp;</b> Photo courtesy Salina Fire Department
SFD Fire Chief Anthony Sneidar Jr.  Photo courtesy Salina Fire Department

"I served seven and a half years in the Army, my last two as a recruiter, and wanted to get into law enforcement. My best friend at the time was a Philly firefighter. His father had been a Philly firefighter, and he said, 'Hey, take the test for the fire department in case they hire first.' And I'm glad I did. They called first, and I never looked back. So I did 28 years in Philly fire," Sneidar said.  

Sneidar spent his first six years as a firefighter working in the "Philadelphia Badlands." 

"I worked in the Badlands in Philadelphia and those guys [Philly firefighters] are still my family, my brothers," Sneidar said. "We were fighting fire almost on a daily basis. When you get to learn the real true ins and outs of firefighting, they're the real foundation of it." 

Sneidar said that the support of his firefighting brothers and sisters helped him progress him up the ranks. He made battalion chief, then deputy chief, and finally became assistant fire chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department. 

Reflections on the state of firefighting

Working as the deputy fire chief for one of the nation's largest cities definitely prepared Sneidar for his time at Salina Fire. 

"I still have that burning desire to be part of the solution [fighting fires], but I also understand that  part of the solution is to make sure that we have the right equipment, we have the right training. I'm providing anything I can from my experience to help Salina Fire and EMS. And I'll tell you, Salina and Saline County, you guys and gals out there have no idea how truly good these folks are. They are phenomenal." 

Sneidar said the world of firefighting isn't the same as it was 30 years ago. 

"You have to be able to think quickly. I like firefighters who are aggressive and smart," Sneidar said. "The science now is there and has proven that what we did 30 and 40 and 50 years ago may not necessarily have been the best. Now you have the change in building construction, the components used in construction and materials used in our household furnishings."

Sneidar said that years ago it was said that a person had approximately 17 minutes to get out of a house safely. Now, that window is three minutes. 

"It's imperative that we have people that can know how to think. Now  remember, this is stressful. So you've got to be able to maintain the emotion.  You can't let it out, because then you lose. If you control it, to me, that's a force multiplier for any firefighter."

Firefighting as a career

Workforce shortages have impacted nearly every career field, including firefighting. Sneidar said Salina Fire currently has openings for firefighting positions.

"We struggle just like anybody else. And at times, you could almost say it could be considered thankless. But like I said, we are here to serve others, and the folks that I enjoy working with, that's what they're about. ... Selflessness โ€” we want to help other people," Sneidar said. "People do move on, people change where they're working or their family situation and it's a shame to see them go. But it gives us an opportunity to continue to grow and look forward to the future." 

Sneidar said SFD is looking for someone who has emergency medical technician training, noting SFD can facilitate any needed training. 

He added that outreach is incredibly important when it comes to serving a community.

"I had the opportunity to speak to some high school seniors and juniors a few months ago. There will be some seniors graduating this year, and I  hope that they would look at firefighting as a future for themselves," Sneidar said. 

The center of everything

After 28 years with Philly Fire, Sneidar sought out a fire chief position. After he discovered the Salina Fire Chief position last year, he was ecstatic. 

"When I decided to look around to see what was available at the fire chief level, I also wanted to consider what I enjoy as well," said Sneidar. "I love to hunt, fish, motorcycle, boat and camp. I mean, you're in a middle of the country โ€” you can go anywhere and you can do all those things right here."

Sneidar said that the move to Kansas was the perfect combination of professional and personal satisfaction. 

"This place has been unbelievable. The people have been great," said Sneidar. "Coming from back east, you know, you hear about that Midwest charm, and it's something to behold."

If you are interested in joining the Salina Fire Department check out their job listings here.