Columbia Fire Chief Randy White will retire Oct. 4 after a 21-year career with the department, the city stated in a news release issued Wednesday.
White took over as chief on Feb. 1, 2015, replacing Chief Charles Witt after Witt's retirement. Deputy Chief Kyle Fansler will be acting fire chief until a permanent chief is named by the new city manager, who is expected to be selected this month by the Columbia City Council.
When he started work as chief, White said hiring additional firefighters and adding two new fire stations were his top priorities. The number of firefighters has grown slightly. The city has not built new fire stations, but in the city budget for the current fiscal year, former City Manager Mike Matthes wrote that he had intended to ask for funds to build a new station in southeast Columbia in the coming year.
White was not available for comment Wednesday.
The department earned accreditation in March from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, becoming one of only 258 departments worldwide with that distinction.
White began as a firefighter in 1998 and worked his way up the ranks until his appointment as chief.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Columbia for nearly 21 years," White said in the release. "The men and women I have had the pleasure to work with devote their lives to the protection of our community and visitors. I know the strong tradition of service we live by will continue to grow."
Interim City Manager John Glascock praised White for his work.
"Chief White has done an outstanding job leading the department and his service will be missed," Glascock said. "Randy ensured that our department continually improved and sought opportunities for growth. Under his leadership, he's laid the foundation of success for a future leader of the department to serve the community with the highest standards."
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