Fire Chief Johnny Morris, Jr Announces Retirement

After a decorated 35-year career, Fire Chief Johnny Morris, Jr officially announces his retirement from the City of Mobile. 

Chief Morris, a United States Marines veteran, joined the MFRD in January 1990. He continued his fire service journey, knowledge, and education through attending Fire Science, Leadership, Management, and Paramedics certification programs at the Alabama Fire College, The National Fire Academy, Bishop State Community College, Shelton State Community College, and the University of South Alabama.  

Chief Morris continued progressing and moving through the ranks, gaining valuable knowledge and experiences that would serve him well as a leader. Promoting to Captain in 2000 and District Chief in 2003, Chief Morris has continuously advocated “lead with a heart to serve” amongst his peers.  

After promoting to the rank of Deputy Chief in July 2018, Morris oversaw MFRD’s Training Division, Emergency Medical Services Division, Communications Division, and Community Risk Reduction Divisions, providing valuable insight and guidance from decades of service. In August 2020, Chief Morris was appointed as Chief of Staff and finally, Fire Chief in October 2023. 

During his tenure as Fire Chief, he developed several new policies and programs that will continue to inspire the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department to serve Mobile communities with high values, compassion, and servants’ hearts for neighbors and strangers alike.  

This week, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson praised Chief Morris on his remarkable service, saying, “A Mobile native and graduate of LeFlore High School, Chief Morris has dedicated his life to the community that shaped him. His leadership has helped the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD) become one of the best fire departments in America, securing multiple national accreditations and certification as an ISO-1 rated agency. I want to congratulate Chief Morris on an exceptional career and thank him for 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Mobile. We wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter." 

In a letter to the Department, Chief Morris praised fire personnel for their continued dedication and inspired hope for continued growth and a positive future of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department: 

“It has been an incredible blessing and privilege to work alongside some of the most professional, dedicated, and courageous individuals in the country-both in field operations and support roles. I'm truly honored by the experiences I've had and the enduring relationships I've formed throughout this journey. Representing this department and witnessing the meaningful impact you've made in the lives of those we serve, has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”