Daniel Schellhase began his career with the Ankeny Fire Department as a paid-on-call member in 2005 as a Firefighter / Paramedic. He was promoted to the ranks of Fire Engineer, Fire Lieutenant, Training Officer, and Division Chief of Training before being appointed as Deputy Chief in 2023. Deputy Chief Schellhase is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence Professional Credentialing. Chief Schellhase holds an A.S. in Fire Science from Des Moines Area Community College, a B.S. in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University.
Deputy Chief Schellhase is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and holds numerous certifications in firefighting, incident command, and hazardous materials. Chief Schellhase is also a member of the Iowa Professional Fire Chief's Association, Polk County (Iowa) Fire Chief's Association, Fire Department's Safety Officer Association, Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association, and Central Iowa Emergency Medical Services Directors Training Committee.