Chief Mitch Randles Retires: Temple Honors Longtime Fire & Rescue Leader

Temple Fire & Rescue Chief Mitch Randles retires after decades of service. The community honors his leadership, mentorship and lasting impact on public safety.

Friends, family, neighbors and fellow first responders gathered at the Central Fire Station Monday afternoon to usher longtime Temple Fire & Rescue Chief Mitch Randles into retirement. The event was both celebratory and reflective as the city looked back on the impact Randles has made in the community he served for decades.

Randles’ retirement marks the end of a career defined by steady leadership, a commitment to training, and a focus on community safety. Under his leadership, Temple Fire & Rescue became known for professional development, strong response protocols, and programs that connected firefighters with residents through outreach and education. Neighbors and colleagues praised his calm under pressure and his willingness to mentor new recruits, helping shape the next generation of first responders.

The Central Fire Station ceremony underscored the deep bonds between the fire department and the community. Family members shared memories of long hours and sacrifices, while fellow firefighters honored Randles’ dedication to teamwork and service. City officials acknowledged his contributions to public safety planning, interagency cooperation, and efforts to modernize equipment and training. Those improvements played a role in faster response times and stronger emergency readiness across the area.

Beyond day-to-day operations, Randles championed community engagement—school visits, safety demonstrations, and hometown events that made fire prevention relatable and practical. His leadership style emphasized listening, training, and preparation, which many credit for a culture of safety and mutual respect within the department. These initiatives helped build trust between residents and their first responders, reinforcing the essential role of Temple Fire & Rescue in local life.

As the department transitions to new leadership, colleagues say Randles leaves a clear legacy: a more resilient, better-trained team prepared to meet evolving public-safety challenges. The retirement ceremony celebrated not just a leader’s career, but the values he instilled—service, integrity, and community focus.

Temple residents and first responders alike will feel Randles’ influence for years to come. While he steps away from daily duty, his legacy of leadership and community commitment remains a guiding example for Temple Fire & Rescue and the entire city as it moves forward.

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