Fire Leadership Team
Jim Walter, Battalion Chief
Battalion Chief Jim Walter’s fire service journey began in Upstate New York, where he grew up just around the corner from the Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department. Inspired at a young age, he joined as a Fire Explorer at 14 and became a volunteer firefighter at 18. While attending St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, Jim earned his EMT certification, volunteered in the community, and competed as a student-athlete. He served as a two-year football team captain, earning Strength and Conditioning All-American recognition, before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Following graduation, Jim worked for Mohawk Ambulance in Albany, NY, where he achieved his Intermediate I-99 certification in 2004. His dream of serving in the fire service brought him, his wife Tara, and their first son Christopher to Arizona. After a short time with American Ambulance in Phoenix, Jim joined the Florence Fire Department in May 2005 as a part-time firefighter. Within just a few months, he was promoted to full-time firefighter and quickly advanced through the ranks—Engineer in 2006 and Captain in 2007, coinciding with the opening of Station 2.
As the department grew, so did Jim’s family, with the additions of his son Jason in 2008 and daughter Claire in 2010. In 2016, he was accepted into the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program, graduating in 2018. That same year, he became the first internal candidate promoted to Battalion Chief. During periods of transition, Jim stepped into leadership as Interim Fire Chief from June 2020 and again from December 2020 through November 2023.
Today, Jim continues to serve the Town of Florence with dedication, experience, and a passion for both the fire service and the community he calls home.
Mathew Kennedy, Battalion Chief
Battalion Chief Matt Kennedy brings nearly 20 years of dedicated service in the fire profession to the Florence Fire and Medical Department. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, operational excellence, and firefighter development.
Chief Kennedy began his fire service journey in 2002 as part of the Mesa Fire Department Explorer Program and achieved his goal of becoming a full-time firefighter in 2006. He has steadily advanced through the ranks – serving as Firefighter, Paramedic, and Captain – with both the Florence Fire and Medical Department and Gilbert Fire & Rescue. Today, he serves as Battalion Chief for Florence, where he continues to lead with experience and purpose.
A defining aspect of Chief Kennedy’s career has been his passion for training and mentorship. He has served as a Recruit Training Officer for multiple regional fire academies and community colleges, helping shape the next generation of firefighters at the start of their careers. He believes that investing in strong fundamentals, discipline, and professionalism ensures the long-term strength of the fire service.
Chief Kennedy has also served as an instructor for ladder company operations with the East Valley Ladder Training Cadre, supporting East Valley fire departments with advanced ladder tactics, technical proficiency, and coordinated fireground operations. His focus on building highly capable, confident, and tactically sound companies contributes directly to overall incident success.
Known for his steady leadership on the fireground and dedication to mentorship, Chief Kennedy emphasizes resilience, accountability, and continuous improvement. He believes strong training programs and principled leadership are the foundation of an effective and progressive fire service.
Chief Kennedy is proud to serve the Florence community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
Corey Pine, Battalion Chief
Battalion Chief Corey Pine has served the Florence Fire & Medical Department with distinction for more than 20 years. Since beginning his career in 2002, he has advanced through every rank—from Firefighter to Battalion Chief—consistently demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the community.
He currently oversees both the Training Division and Wellness Division, where he prepares personnel for the demands of emergency response while also fostering physical and mental resilience across the department. This dual role reflects his belief that operational readiness and overall well-being go hand in hand.
Chief Pine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. His education, combined with decades of hands-on experience, informs his strategic leadership and dedication to mentoring others. He is recognized as a trusted leader whose guidance continues to strengthen the department and its mission of service.
Jennifer Peel-Davis, Fire Marshal
Fire Marshal Jennifer Peel-Davis brings nearly two decades of experience in fire protection systems, fire codes, and prevention practices to the Town of Florence. She began her career in the private fire protection industry, where she spent nine years developing a solid foundation in the design, installation, and compliance of life safety systems.
Transitioning into public service, Jennifer joined the Tucson Fire Department as a Fire Inspector, where she earned both her Fire Inspector I and II certifications through the International Code Council (ICC). She continued to advance in the field, later serving as a Fire Plans Examiner and obtaining additional ICC certifications, including those specializing in fire alarm systems and Certified Fire Marshal.
With a deep understanding of fire codes, keen attention to detail, and a strong commitment to public safety, Jennifer has steadily progressed through the fire prevention ranks. She has proudly served the Town of Florence since 2023, where she is not only dedicated to protecting the community but also to safeguarding the firefighters who serve it.
Her work is driven by a passion for safety, resilience, and community service. Jennifer is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Southern Arizona Fire Marshals Association, Valley Fire Marshals Association, Arizona State Fire Marshals Association, and the Automatic Fire Alarm Association
Nikole Buckley, Administrative Assistant
Nikole Buckley joined the Florence Fire Department in March 2025, bringing more than 20 years of administrative experience. Her career began at a small accounting firm in Florence, where she built a strong foundation in finance and office operations. In 2008, she became the office manager for a local nonprofit focused on early childhood education, where she expanded her expertise in accounting, event planning, fleet management, and procurement.
Nikole holds a degree in Business and is known for her professionalism, collaborative spirit, and commitment to helping teams succeed. She has a long history of supporting departments through organized processes and dependable service, especially in fast-paced, service-oriented environments.
Driven by a deep commitment to people and community, Nikole finds meaning in contributing to efforts that bring others together and support shared values. Whether supporting her team or serving the public, she approaches every role with warmth, humility, and a strong sense of purpose.