Battalion Chief Rick Schauer has more than 20 years of experience in the fire service. He joined the Billings Fire Department in 2006 as a firefighter then worked his way through the ranks of Engineer, Captain, and in 2024, was promoted to Battalion Chief. Chief Schauer’s firefighting career began in 2003 when he obtained his EMT certification with the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department in South Dakota. In 2019, he expanded his credentials by becoming a Certified Fire Inspector. He uses his knowledge and experience as a Hazardous Materials Technician to educate others and serve on the Montana State Hazmat Advisory Group. Chief Schauer is a HAZMAT instructor for Billings Fire and instructs the Hazardous Materials Technician course for City College at MSU-Billings. Additionally, he has provided outreach and education around the state on hazardous materials topics ranging from awareness to technician level. While away from work, Chief Schauer enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family.