Chuck Gatewood was appointed Assistant Chief of the Shawnee’s Heights Fire District in May of 2024. Gatewood started his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the then Topeka-Tecumseh Fire Department in 1991. He volunteered his services until 1994.

He earned his Emergency Medical Technician License through the Kansas State Board of Emergency Medical Services and began his career with the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) as a firefighter in 1993. He worked through the ranks at TFD from Firefighter to Captain.  He was promoted to Battalion Chief and later, Shift Commander.  He retired from TFD in December 2023 as the Division Chief of Administration.

Gatewood earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College.  Gatewood was the first TFD employee to attend the Managing Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD. He graduated from the Managing Officer Program in 2019.

Gatewood has in-depth knowledge of firefighter safety and training. He has specialized in leadership skills and officer development throughout his career. He has experience in designing, developing and completing large-scale projects and has implemented cultural change through his leadership.

He has served on the board of the Shawnee Heights Fire District Governing Board. He has served as a board member on the Monmouth Township Board as well as numerous other boards. He is a member of the Kansas State Firefighters Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Gatewood and his wife, Wendy, have four grown children and presently have four beautiful grandchildren.