City Council honors retiring Fire Chief Kimmerling with recognition
OBA Staff • September 6, 2023
Deputy Chief Jeff Smith steps up as Interim Fire Chief on Sept. 19th
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – After years of dedicated service, the City of Orange Beach Fire Department bids farewell to its esteemed Chief, Mike Kimmerling, who is set to retire later this month. In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, the City Council presented Chief Kimmerling with a Certificate of Recognition during their recent council meeting. The community of Orange Beach stands testament to the enhanced safety and strength brought about under Chief Kimmerling's leadership. As the city prepares for this transition, Deputy Chief Jeff Smith has been appointed to take the helm as Interim Fire Chief, effective from September 19, 2023.
Press Release:
City of Orange Beach Fire Department Chief Mike Kimmerling is retiring later this month. The City Council recognized Chief Kimmerling with a Certificate of Recognition at tonight's council meeting. The city is stronger and safer thanks to Chief Kimmerling.
Deputy Chief Jeff Smith was approved by the council to serve as Interim Fire Chief, effective Sept. 19, 2023.
The Certificate of Recognition reads as follows:
- Whereas, the City of Orange Beach was incorporated as a town in 1984; and
- Whereas, Mike Kimmerling was initially hired by the City of Orange Beach in the Coastal Resources Department in 2015; and
- Whereas, he interviewed and was hired as Deputy Chief for the Orange Beach Fire Department in 2018 and became Fire Chief in December 2019; and
- Whereas, he previously served in the Bloomington Fire Department in Bloomington, IL for 27 years, serving his last five years as Fire Chief; and
- Whereas, he has shown true professionalism throughout his time with the city and exemplified servant leadership; he carried out his duties with integrity, compassion, and excellence towards the community he has served; and
- Whereas, some of his notable accomplishments are: lowering the city’s ISO rating; was instrumental in establishing the city’s transport EMS service; increased staffing of firefighters, training, fire prevention, and public education; implemented a salary scale to keep the department competitive within the fire service; contracted with Ono Island to establish a new station, apparatus, and manpower; started the process for a statewide mutual aid agreement that will bring fire and emergency medical assistance to Orange Beach after a disaster; improved the level of professionalism within the department and earned the respect of his peers across the state; and
- Now, therefore, on behalf of the Mayor and Council, we Honor and Recognize Chief Kimmerling for his Outstanding Leadership and Public Service for the City of Orange Beach and we wish him the best in his Future Endeavors.
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