Mayor Announces Public Safety Leadership Changes

Mayor Graham Richard today announced Fort Wayne Fire Chief Tim Davie will retire effective August 21.

Mayor Richard has appointed current Deputy Fire Chief Pete Kelly to become Fire Chief effective August 21. Kelly will continue the excellent public safety services provided by the Fort Wayne Fire Department as a result of his many years of leadership, experience and service with the Fire Department.

Davie has served as Co-Public Safety Director and Fire Chief since Mayor Richard took office in 2000. Rusty York will assume the full duties of Public Safety Director as well as continuing to serve as Police Chief.

“We appreciate Tim'€™s seven and a half years of service as Co-Public Safety Director and Fire Chief,” said Mayor Richard. “Under Tim'€™s leadership, the Fort Wayne Fire Department has provided excellent services to our community. Tim has been an effective leader and a great public servant.”

Under Davie'€™s leadership, the Fire Department implemented several new programs including video conferencing, mobile data terminals in all emergency vehicles and a wellness fitness program. During Davie'€™s tenure, the City opened six new fire stations, added more than 20 new pieces of equipment to assist firefighting efforts and hired over 170 new firefighters. The Fire Department was also able to save nearly $2 million through the use of best practices.