Columbia City Manager John Glascock names Andy Woody as fire chief - beginning Jan. 13

(COLUMBIA, MO) - On Dec. 13, Columbia City Manager John Glascock announced the selection of Andy Woody as the next chief of the Columbia Fire Department. His first day will be Jan. 13, 2020. Woody has more than 22 years of experience serving in various capacities in two communities.

Woody is currently the fire chief in the City of Searcy, Arkansas. Like the Columbia Fire Department, Searcy is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. They’ve also earned the Insurance Services Office's (ISO) Class 1 rating.

"I am impressed by Andy’s leadership history, credentials and personality. His experience in providing excellent service will be an asset to our community," Glascock said. "Andy will be a good fit here and I look forward to all Columbia residents getting to know him."

Woody’s career began in 1997 with the Springfield, Missouri Fire Department where he worked through the ranks to assistant fire chief. Woody was hired as a training officer for the Searcy Fire Department in 2015 and became the fire chief in 2017. During his career, he also served as an adjunct instructor with the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute instructing firefighters statewide. 

"It is with great pride and honor that I accept this position and am excited to get started working with the dedicated men and women of the Columbia Fire 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. "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."

Woody earned an associate degree in fire science, a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in administration. He is credentialed through the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a Chief Fire Officer and a Chief Training Officer and has completed the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, serves as a regional director of the Arkansas State Association of Fire Chiefs and as a peer reviewer for the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The fire chief position was previously held by Randy White, who retired Oct. 4. Deputy Chief Kyle Fansler has been filling the role of acting fire chief.

"I want to thank Deputy Chief Kyle Fansler for taking on the position of acting fire chief after Randy retired. His leadership in the interim was instrumental in ensuring that our vital day-to-day operations were maintained and that we continued to provide a high level of service to our community," Glascock said.

Woody’s starting annual salary will be $126,000 and includes the benefits package for directors. A public meet and greet will be scheduled for a later date.

A photo of Woody is attached to this release.