Christopher Young
Fire Protection Chief, Spaceport Integration and Services
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Christopher Young is the Chief of NASA Fire Services within the Protective Services Office at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a position he has held since October 2021. In this role he is responsible for the development and implementation of NASA Kennedy’s fire emergency services program, dedicated to the protection of life and property. Young establishes and implements fire prevention program procedures and trains and equips firefighters to provide continuous emergency response capabilities. During crewed mission launch operations at Kennedy, Young serves as the NASA Rescue Officer and provides technical expertise to help manage specialized rescue teams and services.
Experience
Prior to his current assignment, Young served as the Deputy Chief of NASA Fire Services responsible for operational management and the development of a one-of-a-kind launch pad rescue capability during crewed mission operations at Kennedy to ensure the protection of personnel and astronauts.
Prior to his positions at Kennedy, Young served in several fire protection positions with the U. S. Air Force, retiring after 32 years of federal service in December 2018.
In 2005, Young served as the Assistant Chief of Operations responsible for the management of fire stations, personnel, and emergency response services across at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Prior to that position, he served as the District Chief and Battalion Chief of Eglin Fire Emergency Services. Young began his federal service career in 1986 as a military firefighter at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
Education
Young graduated from Columbia Southern University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and later earned a Master of Science degree in emergency service management in 2017.
Personal
Young was born in Limestone, Maine. As part of a military family, Young grew up in locations around the country and overseas including Spain, Italy, and the Philippines. Young has since settled down with his wife in Merritt Island and his two daughters who live in Orlando. Young enjoys spending time with family, visiting parks, and going on family vacations.
Biography last updated May 2024
At the Station
