SAVANNAH – After a national recruitment search, the City of Savannah is pleased to announce that Derik Minard has been selected to serve as the next Chief of Savannah Fire. Chief Minard is no stranger to Team Savannah; during his previous tenure as Savannah’s Fire Chief, he led a cultural transformation of the department — work that continues to benefit Savannah firefighters and the community today.
A veteran fire service leader with more than 35 years of professional firefighting and leadership experience, Minard brings deep operational knowledge and a strong commitment to firefighter safety, readiness, and community protection.
Minard previously served as Fire Chief in Westminster, Colorado, and Gresham, Oregon. Before becoming a chief officer, he spent 28 years advancing through a wide range of operational and leadership roles, including deputy chief of operations, battalion chief, EMS chief, captain, fire prevention specialist, paramedic-firefighter, and firefighter.
He holds an associate degree in fire science, a Bachelor of Science in public safety administration, and a Master of Science in Leadership with an emphasis in Disaster Preparedness. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program and a veteran of the United States Army.
City Manager Jay Melder said Chief Minard’s return reflects both his proven leadership and his deep understanding of Savannah Fire’s mission.
“After a national search, it became clear that the best leader for the future of Savannah Fire was one who had already made a lasting impact here,” Melder said. “Chief Minard led a cultural transformation within the department during his previous tenure. Work that continues to pay dividends for our firefighters and for the people we serve. His experience, values, and commitment to service make him exactly the right person to guide Savannah Fire forward. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Acting Fire Chief William Handy, whose steady leadership has been invaluable during this transition.”
Savannah Fire remains committed to identifying and prioritizing local risks and investing resources strategically to preserve life and property across Savannah’s neighborhoods. Chief Minard said he is honored to continue that mission.
“Savannah Fire is built on professionalism, teamwork, and a deep commitment to protecting this city,” Minard said. “It is a privilege to return and lead the men and women who serve with such pride and purpose. Together, we will strengthen readiness, invest in our people, and ensure Savannah continues to benefit from a world-class fire and emergency service.”
# # #
About Savannah Fire
The Savannah Fire Department’s history dates back to the City’s first organized fire company in 1759. It was the first fully mechanized fire department in the United States. Savannah Fire is an ISO Class I fire department of more than 300 full-time, professional firefighters.