City of Montgomery names new fire chief
Chief Russell G Collier is now the new Montgomery Fire/Rescue Chief./Source: City of Montgomery
The City of Montgomery has named its newest fire chief.
Mayor Steven Reed announced Wednesday that Chief Russell G. Collier will serve at the full-time Chief of Montgomery Fire/Rescue.
Chief Collier, who has served as Interim Fire Chief since August 2025, assumes the permanent role following the retirement of former Chief Miford Jordan.
Chief Collier started with Montgomery Fire/Rescue in May 1998, shortly after his graduation from Wetumpka High School.
Over the past 28 years, he has built a distinguished record of service across nearly every major operational and administrative function of the department. His experience includes roles in Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, Inspections, Special Operations, and Standards/Compliance.
He later advanced into senior leadership, first as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing administrative operations, budget management, staffing, grant coordination, accreditation, ISO evaluation, and NFPA compliance, and then as Chief of Staff in 2024, where he was responsible for organizational alignment and executive coordination across all divisions. He served in that capacity until his appointment as Interim Fire Chief in August 2025.
Chief Collier holds an associate degree from Trenholm State Community College and numerous nationally recognized professional certifications from the Alabama Fire College, National Fire Academy, University of Maryland, and New Mexico Tech. He is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer by the Commission on Professional Credentialing and is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class XXXII and the National Fire Staff and Command Course.
Among his many honors, he was named Montgomery Fire/Rescue’s Firefighter of the Year in 2004. He also leads major departmental initiatives, including the Firefighter Combat Challenge and the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.
Chief Collier’s appointment is effective immediately.
