The city of Tuscaloosa's fire chief will retire in November after leading the fire and rescue service here for six years, the department announced Wednesday.

Fire Chief Randy Smith has spent more than 40 years as an emergency responder and was deputy fire chief for the city of Mobile's Fire-Rescue Department when Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox appointed him to be chief in 2018.

“It has been a tremendous honor serving the people of Tuscaloosa,” Chief Smith said. “I will be forever grateful to have been part of Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue and to have served with the amazing men and women that protect our community each day. The dedicated individuals of Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue are true heroes, and I know that their commitment to their service will continue at an elite level.”

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Smith led an effective and uncontroversial fire department and also earned praise for his role as the leader of the city's COVID-19 Incident Command team. He also led Incident Command during a number of severe weather outbreaks and events that did or could have affected public safety.

“Chief Smith has led Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue with distinction and conviction,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. "His leadership has provided the foundation for a bright future. For all his successes, his calm and commanding guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic will be his lasting legacy to all of us who worked with him in those unprecedented times.”

According to the release, Chief Smith’s last day in office will be Friday, November 22, 2024.

For more coverage of news out of City Hall including who will replace Smith, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.

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