Montgomery Fire Chief Retires after nearly 50 years of Dedicated Service
“I am proud to have played a role in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.” – Chief Paul Wright
Chief Paul Wright always knew he wanted to be a firefighter; you can see the smile on his face as he steps out of a fire truck in a picture from his high school yearbook in 1978. While he knew he wanted to be a firefighter, he didn’t think he would lead Montgomery’s Fire Department for 27 years.
Chief Wright has been Montgomery’s first and only fire chief.
“I became a firefighter because I was raised to serve others, a value instilled by my parents and our family faith,” said Paul. “Two of my siblings became teachers, and the third became a pastor. I was drawn to a public servant career that combined helping others with a bit more excitement. Becoming a fire chief was never my goal—it just happened along the way.”
Chief Wright began his career in fire service in 1978 with the Montgomery Community Fire Company. He progressed through the ranks to Captain before accepting a Shift Captain’s position with the Mason Volunteer Fire Company in Warren County, Ohio in 1992. He progressed to assistant chief before returning to the City of Montgomery Fire Department, where he has been chief since 1998.
“After years of truly exceptional service, Chief Paul Wright is retiring. His dedication, expertise, and leadership will be missed,” said Mayor Ron Messer. “We are certainly blessed as a city to have him and to know him as a giant in our City’s history.”
Chief Wright says there were many memorable moments during his career with the City. In 1982, an FBI plane crashed into a building off Main Street, killing six people on board the plane. On April 9, 1999, a tornado ripped through Montgomery killing four people and leaving hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed. On October 7, 2020, an accident led to a large gas main fire during construction of the roundabout at Cross County and Montgomery Road. There were no serious injuries.
In May, Chief Wright will be presented with the 2025 Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award by the State Fire Council. This annual ceremony recognizes the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice those men and women make on behalf of their communities at great personal risk to themselves, and who are credited with directly saving or attempting to save a life or lives during an extreme fire or other emergency rescue situation.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Fire Chief for nearly 27 years. Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed the remarkable growth and development of our City,” said Chief Wright. ” Thank you once again for the privilege of serving as Fire Chief. I will cherish the memories of my time here for years to come.”
Chief Wright says he plans to spend more time with his family and pursue his interests.
Congratulations, Chief Wright. Thank you for your dedicated service and friendship.