Cameron Haller says goodbye as Chief of Emergency Services

Attention all units, stand by for the final tone out for retiring Tipp City Fire Chief Cameron Haller.

Chief Haller, we would like to thank you for 31 years of dedicated service to the fire service, including seven years with Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services.

Chief, your leadership, humility, and constant support for your personnel have left a lasting mark—not only within our department but throughout our community and across Miami and Shelby Counties. You never sought recognition, yet your actions consistently spoke louder than words.

We’ll miss your steady presence, your advice, and the way you always put others first. Most of all, we’ll miss the example you set for what it truly means to serve.

As you move on to something deeply personal, we wish you nothing but happiness, fulfillment, and success in whatever comes next. Thank you, Chief, for everything you’ve given to this department and to all of us.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services wishes you the very best.

Dispatch clear on February 26, 2026, at 1600 hours.

Tipp City Chief of Emergency Services Cameron Haller is saying goodbye to the fire and emergency service to join the St. Gabriel Family of Parishes as Chief Operating Officer, effective March 2.

His journey began in 1990 in Pensacola, Fla., at Station 16 while serving in the U.S. Navy. FF Bill Sleeger, shipmate and housemate, needed a pair of sneakers to run to the firehouse. “He needed to go to the mall, and I had a car, and he did not. The trip began with banter concerning the fact that Bill would not run for anything, the reason was revealed, and I began asking 20 questions,” Haller recalled. “His final answer was, ‘If you are so damn interested, just join.’  

So, I applied and was placed in service and on call at Station 16, Escambia County, FL. Bill subsequently taught me ALL the basics. Florida did not require fire certification at that time. The members of Station 16 could also ride the tailboard, what a rush! I was hooked immediately.”

Many men assisted him in his growth at Station 16. Captain Drummond led the crew into Haller’s first interior attack at a structure fire. He taught him more than he could ever repay. They read Firehouse Magazine cover to cover every month. They both had high expectations of being productive members of the fire service. His career was placed on hold from August 1991 to February 24, 1995.

During that time, a transfer to the USS America with a trip to the North Atlantic and the Persian Gulf became reality. After his discharge from the Navy in 1992, Cameron’s sister, Regina Lynn Haller, was killed in a car accident one week prior to his and Teresa’s wedding. “She was my only sibling. Teresa and I were married on November 7, 1992, and remain married, thanks be to God.” 

All the life changes were stressful, however, the resolve to be a firefighter/paramedic did not subside. Lt. Hugh Saunier was a guardian to him at this critical timeframe. A minimum of 13 different fire department entrance tests were taken. In 1993, Troy FD in Miami County invited him to a physical agility test. After completing the test, the chiefs called him into their office and asked him to withdraw his name from the eligibility list. “My background included a DUI just prior to being discharged from the Navy. That fact is unacceptable. Troy was kind and advised me that it would take some time between that fact and a first chance for employment. This was a huge life lesson in accountability, ownership, and resiliency,” Haller said.

Fast forward to the Fall of 1994. Two hiring processes began to create momentum. St. Mary’s FD (SMFD) was hiring in February 1995. “On February 24, I started my Ohio fire service career. The City of Ft. Wayne called me to arrange an interview and the offer was declined.” 

While at SMFD, Haller earned Ohio Firefighter II and EMT-Basic certifications. Haller had tested and passed the written and physical agility at Sidney FD prior to starting at SMFD. 

In the late summer/fall of 1995, Sidney FD called and gave him a verbal offer of employment. “After consulting with my Uncle Dave Kreischer and his senior man at SMFD Dale Engle, I accepted. November 8, 1995, was the first day of a wonderfully long career at Sidney. It also marked the opportunity to serve with AC Dave Kreischer. Teresa and I say that we were raised in Van Wert and that our family was raised in Sidney.” Jacob, Collin and Abbi thrived on the opportunities while growing up in Sidney. All three graduated Lehman Catholic High School. “Claudia blessed us as our daughter from Spain in 2017. All our children are independent and wonderful human beings. My family always supported me! Even to their detriment. I am forever grateful to them for that reality. My wife, Teresa, is the family glue,” he said.

The citizens of Sidney were served until March 2, 2019.

Career highlights at Sidney include: 

• obtaining a Paramedic certification (NREMT-P failed once), 

• a juvenile citizen saved at a structure fire in January 2007 (Corey Meyer and Brian Lundy were on Ladder 5),

• 2015 Shelby County Firefighter of the year, 

• multiple water rescues include a priest’s dad on the Great Miami River, 

• serving with some of the most down to earth people and many opportunities to fight fire and treat patients. 

Academic endeavors included: technical rescue training and operations, 2000-2016 academic degrees up to a Master of Public Administration, Ohio Fire Executive in 2014, and promotions from Lieutenant 2007, Assistant Chief 2011, Deputy Chief 2015 and Chief of Tipp City 2019. “The rank of firefighter/EMT was my longest held rank at 13 years, and what a privilege it has been,” Haller said.

On March 18, 2019, he became the first Tipp City Chief of Emergency Services. Tipp City had operated under two distinct departments (EMS & Fire) until that day in March 2019. The opportunities at Tipp City proved to be fruitful. Working with the Miami County Fire & Emergency Services Chiefs Association and the Miami County Communications Center (911), they completed work towards improved service delivery and more safe operations. Serving the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association was one of those opportunities, serving the Southwest Ohio Fire Chiefs (secretary/treasurer), Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation as a Trustee, OFCA contractor for assessment centers, and OFCA instructor for Foundational Leadership and Fire Officer 1 & 2. Tipp City Rotary President and Knights of Columbus Grand Knight were two service positions filled in this timeframe.

“The most rewarding opportunity was to serve the crews, employees and the citizens of Tipp City. The men and women of emergency services picked up the ball in an era of transition and served with humility, gratitude and love. The people in community have made the difference,” Haller said. “As this chapter ends, there is a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities to serve, the lessons learned, and personal growth along the way. People have been placed in my life at the best moments possible to guide, mentor, put up with, and lead me, thanks be to God. There are too many people to thank individually; however, please know this ‘In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson. The journey has been one of growth, both personally and professionally, and it has been an honor to be part of such a noble profession. With humility, the torch is passed on to the next generation of firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, etc., with the hope that they will continue to uphold the values of service, dedication, and compassion.”

“The final thought,” Haller added. “I was the man in the arena. I have been bloodied, bruised and temporarily beaten. By the grace of God, He provided me with the determination, humility, and fortitude to turn away from the failure of giving up. Perseverance in hope and love has been a guiding light and comfort in the trials, tribulations and JOY of a career in Fire & EMS.”

The department held a farewell gathering for Haller on Thursday, February 26. Family, friends and colleagues wished him well on his new endeavor.

The search is on for a new chief. The deadline for the application is March 8. City Manager Eric Mack said, “The city remains committed to selecting a fire chief who will provide strong leadership, support for our firefighters and department personnel.”