The City of Monroe will soon have something or somone it hasn't had for about two years -- a fire chief.

Governor Jeff Landry reappointed Timothy Williams to lead the fire department.

“Timothy Williams is a proven leader. This is what it looks like to stay focused on the main thing… ensuring top‑notch leadership for our firefighters and the highest standards of public safety for our citizens. Our firefighters have carried the mission while litigation ensued. Today, we give them the permanent leadership they deserve,” Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis wrote in a statement.

“Governor Landry has once again acted within the clear authority provided by state law to ensure Monroe residents have the level of public safety they deserve. His collaboration has been essential in restoring stability and confidence to our fire department.”

Williams is looking forward to leading the fire department.

“I want to thank Mayor Ellis and the Governor for their continued trust and confidence in me. I have spent my career serving the City of Bastrop and the members of the Fire Department as Chief. I am proud of what we accomplished together. I am honored and eager to bring that same level of leadership, commitment, and service to the City of Monroe. There is important work ahead. Our focus will be on strengthening training, modernizing operations, supporting our firefighters, and continuing to build trust and strong relationships with the community,” said Chief Williams about the appointment.

“I believe Monroe deserves strong, steady, and professional leadership in public safety, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief and help lead the department forward. I look forward to working with the firefighters, city leadership, and the Monroe community as we build on the department’s strengths and prepare for the future," Williams wrote in a statement.