Columbia's new fire chief will be Andy Woody, a 22-year veteran of fire service currently working as the fire chief of Searcy, Arkansas, City Manager John Glascock announced Friday.
Woody beat out two other finalists — Christopher Riley, who retired in March 2016 as chief in Colorado Springs, and Maria Beermann-Foat, battalion chief of operations for MED-ACT- Emergency Medical Services, which provides emergency services in Johnson County, KS.
The finalists were selected from a pool of about 40 applicants, Glascock said Dec. 5 during a reception for the three.
"I am impressed by Andy's leadership history, credentials and personality," Glascock said in a news release. "His experience in providing excellent service will be an asset to our community. Andy will be a good fit here and I look forward to all Columbia residents getting to know him."
Woody began his firefighting career with the Springfield Fire Department. He has worked as an adjunct instructor with the University of Missouri's Fire and Rescue Training Institute.
In a statement, Woody said he was excited about the new job and the chance to work with the "dedicated" firefighters of the department.
"Together, we will proudly uphold the traditions of this esteemed organization while providing cutting-edge customer service and risk-reduction efforts for the citizens and visitors of our city," Woody said in the release. "My wife, Danna, and our daughters, Leah and Lily, are excited to call this great city home and become involved in our community, schools and civic organizations."
At the reception, Woody said Columbia "always seemed like home. This is truly the opportunity to culminate what I have worked for my whole career in a city I know and have grown to love."
Woody's salary will be $126,000, the release stated.
Randy White, the previous chief, retired Oct. 4. Deputy Chief Kyle Fansler has been acting fire chief.
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