Columbia Fire Chief Randy White announces retirement effective Oct. 4

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Columbia Fire Chief Randy White has informed Interim City Manager John Glascock that he will retire from the Department effective Friday, Oct. 4. 

White joined the Department Oct. 26, 1998. He held the rank of firefighter I, firefighter II, engineer, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief before being named fire chief Feb. 1, 2015, when then Fire Chief Charles Witt retired.  

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Columbia for nearly 21 years. The men and women I have had the pleasure to work with devote their lives to the protection of our community and visitors," White said. "I know the strong tradition of service we live by will continue to grow."

Under the leadership of White, the Columbia Fire Department received international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in March 2019. The Department is now one of only 258 fire departments in the world that have achieved the honor. Fewer than 1% of fire departments nationwide are accredited and only 10% of the United States population is served by an accredited fire department.

"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."

Deputy Chief Kyle Fansler will fill the role of acting fire chief after White retires until a permanent chief is named.