Montgomery fire chief Mitford Jordan retires after 40 years of groundbreaking leadership

Montgomery Mayor Reed announced the retirement of Fire and Rescue Chief Mitford Jordan, who has dedicated 40 years to serving the community, including 19 years as chief. Chief Jordan made history as the first Black deputy chief and later the first Black fire chief in Montgomery's 200-year history, breaking barriers and setting high standards for excellence in the department.

Under his leadership, Montgomery Fire and Rescue achieved the prestigious ISO 1 rating, a distinction held by less than 5% of fire departments nationwide. This accomplishment reflects the commitment to excellence that Chief Jordan instilled in his team. His tenure also saw significant advancements, including the modernization of emergency medical services, the expansion of the fleet with new fire and medic trucks, and the recent opening of a $19 million fire station.

Mayor Reed highlighted Chief Jordan's advocacy for increased compensation for firefighters, resulting in a 32% salary increase since the mayor took office. This change was crucial in aligning Montgomery's fire department salaries with those of other departments in the region. Additionally, Chief Jordan championed a new patient transportation compensation model, which has already begun generating revenue for the city's general fund.

The mayor expressed gratitude for Chief Jordan's leadership and the impact he has made not only in Montgomery but also across the state and the nation. His legacy will continue to influence the department and the community, as the city looks to build on the foundation he established.