The radio squawks just as Tony Liess begins a powerpoint presentation for the Maysville Fire Department chief and assistant chief in preparation for the biannual Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting. There’s a fire at East Kentucky Power Co-op Spurlock Station. Tony goes from office mode to emergency response in a flash. Pedal to the metal, sirens blaring, Tony is at the scene in a matter of minutes. In one swift move he exits the car, puts on his helmet and enters the power plant where the fire had already been extinguished.
The father of nine children with his wife, Christi, and grandfather of 17, Tony has always puts others first. “I feel kind of that responsibility for the community,” Tony said. Being called to preach in his early 20s rapidly led him down this path of service. Initially called to Maysville in 1999 to fill an interim pastor role at First Baptist Church, within six months Tony was offered the role full time. To support his growing family, he took on part-time construction jobs. Then in 2011, Tony began serving as chaplain of the Maysville Police Department. His serving as chaplain for more than 10 years caught the eye of County Judge Executive Owen McNeill, who appointed Tony as emergency management director of Mason County in 2022. Now when he responds to emergency calls he often wears two hats: chaplain and EM director.
Responding to emergencies requires Tony to be on call 24/7 yet he still makes time for his pastoral duties. “I probably still spend close to 40 hours with the church, with the studying and then services and everything, but, yes, it can be a full plate,” Tony said. Leading Bible study on Wednesday evenings and Sunday worship services provide Tony with a deep sense of fulfillment. “I’m trying to equip people, you know, for their life here, but also . . . I view that there is an eternity, so my hopes is not only to affect them here, but there as well.”
In his dual roles Tony has had to deal with many tragedies to which he has a personal connection. On Oct. 20, 2015, police dispatch called chaplain Tony to the site of a fire with four fatalities. Lori Ann Doppelheuer had run back in her burning house to save her three children. None survived. Years earlier Tony had officiated Lori Ann’s wedding ceremony at First Baptist. After the fire he assisted the family in dealing with their grief, some of whom still attend his church.
Being there for his community in all these capacities does not go unrecognized. “It doesn’t take long to realize what a great guy Tony is,” said Kyle Carpenter, Maysville fire chief and long-time family friend.
Taking on others’ grief and witnessing tragedies — these frequent traumas take a toll on Tony. That’s when he turns to a fellow chaplain and to God to help him. “I think it’s the grace of God that just kind of helps me wipe those things,” he said.
