Valdosta Fire Department Chief Brian Boutwell Retires After 30 Years — Search Underway

Valdosta Fire Department Chief Brian Boutwell retires after 30 years. Deputy Chief Marcus Haynes is interim while Mercer Group leads the fire chief search.

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Fire Department announced the retirement of Chief Brian Boutwell after a distinguished 30-year career in public safety. Boutwell’s retirement marks the end of an era for the department and prompts a leadership transition aimed at keeping public safety and community service at the forefront.

During his three decades of service, Chief Brian Boutwell became a recognized leader in the Valdosta community, helping shape emergency response practices and mentoring generations of firefighters. Although specific milestones were not listed, Boutwell’s long tenure underscores a deep commitment to firefighter training, community outreach, and operational readiness that benefited residents across the city.

To ensure continuity, Deputy Chief Marcus Haynes will step in as interim Chief while the city conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. Deputy Chief Haynes’ appointment provides immediate leadership stability for the Valdosta Fire Department and reassures residents that emergency services and daily operations will continue without interruption.

The city has engaged The Mercer Group, a national senior executive search firm, to assist with the recruitment of a new Fire Chief. By partnering with an experienced search firm, Valdosta aims to attract qualified candidates with the leadership, technical expertise, and community-focused approach necessary for the role. The search process is expected to focus on candidates with strong credentials in fire administration, emergency management, budget oversight, and community relations.

For the Valdosta community, this transition is an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and to shape the department’s future priorities. Residents can expect updates from city officials about the search timeline, candidate qualifications, and opportunities for public input. Maintaining firefighter morale, enhancing training programs, and continuing public safety partnerships will likely be central themes in the selection process.

As Chief Boutwell begins retirement after 30 years of service, the Valdosta Fire Department moves forward under interim leadership with a transparent search for a permanent chief. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the city works with The Mercer Group to find the next leader who will guide the department and uphold the high standards of public safety Valdosta expects.

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