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Columbia Fire Chief Retires, Replacement Named

Brady Finn

Fire Chief Charles Witt officially announced his retirement from the Columbia Fire Department this morning. The press conference took place at City Hall where several other officers were there to support him.

Witt served for 38 years and won the Dr. Edward Robb Boone Public Servant of the Year award in 2014. He says he has enjoyed every day of his career.

“Never once have I woke up and said, ‘Dang it! I have to go to work today,’” Witt said.

Witt’s last day of service will be January 31st, 2015.

City Manager Mike Matthes said he didn’t have to hire a firm or conduct a lengthy search to find Witt’s replacement. Matthes was able to hire from within the fire department and appointed Randy White as the next fire chief of the CFD.

White currently serves as the Deputy Fire Chief. He has worked with the CFD for 16 years and has a degree in Business Administration from Truman State University. He will take over for Chief Witt February 1st, 2015.