Vance Swisher was appointed Fire Chief with the Ankeny Fire Department in 2023. He began his career with the Cedar Rapids IA Fire Department as a Fire Protection Engineer for four years before moving to the Rochester MN Fire Department. In his 23 years of service with the Rochester Fire Department, Chief Swisher held the ranks of Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Marshal, and Deputy Fire Chief for the last 12 years. Additionally, Chief Swisher volunteered with the Stewartville MN Fire Department for 19 years where he held the ranks of Firefighter-EMT, Lieutenant, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire Chief for the last 9 years.
Chief Swisher is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence Professional Credentialing. Chief Swisher holds a B.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Technology and an M.S. in Fire and Emergency Management Administration, both from Oklahoma State University.