Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Painter has been recognized for 30 years of service as an EMT by the board of directors of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. 

To maintain his status as a nationally registered EMT, Painter had to complete biennially a comprehensive recertification program to refresh his skills and attend a minimum of two hours a month of continuing education.

Painter was first nationally registered as an EMT-paramedic in 1983. He started at the Homer Volunteer Fire Department in 1991 as emergency medical services assistant chief and later became the training coordinator and assistant chief. 

Painter became chief in 1999 after former chief Robert Purcell retired. This June marks his 22nd year with the department. Before moving to Homer, Painter worked in Collinsville, Okla., and Tulsa, Okla.