Temple to Swear in New Fire Chief

Temple Fire & Rescue will officially swear in a new chief today.

Fire Chief Mitch Randles started work Monday, but will take to oath of office at 1:30 p.m. at Gober Party House, 1516 West Avenue H. The event is open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m.

Randles began his 28-year-long career as a firefighter and paramedic before becoming the Fire Chief of Joplin, Missouri in October of 2010. He retired from the position on August 1st in order to replace outgoing Temple Chief Lonzo Wallace, who retired in October of 2013.

Randles earned his Executive Fire Officer from the National Fire Academy at Emmitsburg, Maryland and an MBA from Northwest Missouri University. He holds multiple fire certifications.