The PFD has had 22 Chief Engineers/Fire Commissioners lead the department over the last 150 years. We will be profiling each, their stories are remarkable. You can read them below, we will be adding new content each week.

Chief Engineers/Fire Commissioners

1871-1879 – William H. Johnson
1879-1892 – John R. Cantlin
1892-1911 – James C. Baxter
1911-1913 – Edward A. Waters
1913-1913 – Samuel A. Cook
1913-1914 – John J. Meskill
1914-1920 – William H. Murphy
1920-1941 – Ross B. Davis
1937-1939 – Charles A. Gill
1941-1941 – George Ferrier
1941-1947 – William F. Cowden
1947-1952 – John C. Cost
1952-1964 – Frank L. McNamee
1964-1965 – George E. Hink
1965-1972 – James J. McCarey
1972-1984 – Joseph R. Rizzo
1984-1988 – William C. Richmond
1988-1992 – Roger L. Ulshafer
1992-2004 – Harold B. Hairston
2004-2014 – Lloyd Ayers
2014-2016 – Derrick L. Sawyer
2016-2024 – Adam K. Thiel
2024-Present – Craig Murphy