Barry Glisson Sworn-in as City of Mobile’s 18th Fire Chief

Chief Barry Glisson was officially sworn in as the City of Mobile’s 18th Fire Chief on Monday, marking the highest honor in a career that began in 2004.

During a special investiture ceremony held in the Ceremonial Courtroom at Government Plaza, City officials, including Mayor Cheriogotis, members of the Mobile City Council, Director of Public Safety Curtis Graves, and fire department personnel honored Glisson’s dedication, leadership, and life of service to the community and country.

“It’s surreal, really. It’s a blessing to be here,” Glisson said. “I know the Lord’s put me in a great place, and I enjoy helping our citizens and supporting our firefighters, and that’s why I’ve continued doing my job.”

He said the department will continue supporting firefighters and ensuring they have every tool needed to serve Mobile citizens.

Glisson announced good news at Monday’s ceremony: with the hiring of 27 new firefighter recruits, the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is fully staffed for the first time in decades, bringing the total number to 543 well-trained firefighters.

“That brings us up to fully staffed. We have never been this high before in the history of this department,” Glisson said.

Chief Glisson was given the oath of office by the Honorable Judge Vicki Davis. As he takes his official position as Fire Chief, Glisson said he remains committed to the Department’s mission.

“We’re the fire department. We’re going to show up, and we’re going to do the best job possible,” he said. “Thankfully, by the support of the Mayor and the City Council, we’re going to have the greatest tools and apparatus that we can to show up and do our job.”