The Bellefontaine Fire Department announces the retirement of Chief Andy Fissel, effective today, Wednesday, July 31.
Fissel has served 26 years with department, working his way up the ladder by serving five years as firefighter, 11 years as assistant chief, and the past 10 years as chief.
Captain Brian Wilson has been appointed interim fire chief.
During Chief Fissel’s tenure, he has brought much growth to the department, including hiring the first two female firefighters.
He improved the City’s ISO rating from 5 to 4, which directly affects insurance rates for the commercial and residential citizens.
“Having to think outside of the box, he was awarded $2.7 million in federal grants to replace the aging fleet, plus other needs for the department,” officials said from the BFD’s Facebook page. “He fought hard to increase staffing from 19 to 23 members.
“He made many contacts in the community and worked hard to foster relationships with surrounding departments.
“At his closing, he is currently in the process of helping to implement the Community Paramedic Program. “
As chief, Fissel helped to navigate a variety of challenges thrown his way during the past decade, including: bedbugs at the station, Covid protocols, staffing issues, testing changes, three different City Safety Service Directors, and three mayors.
He expressed appreciation to the community for their involvement over the years, and offered his heartfelt thanks to the hardworking men and women of the BFD.
There will not be an open house for Chief Fissel, fire department officials said.
