News Summary
Savannah Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen has resigned immediately, citing personal matters. Deputy Fire Chief William Handy steps in as interim chief while a search for a permanent replacement begins. Kitchen had served with the department since 1998, and his leadership raised questions about the future of fire safety strategies in Savannah. City Manager Jay Melder thanked Kitchen for his contributions, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining public safety during this transition.
Savannah – Savannah Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen has resigned from his position effective immediately, following a tenure that began in July 2022 when he was appointed as the city’s 36th fire chief. The reason for his resignation has been stated as personal matters, according to City Manager Jay Melder. Deputy Fire Chief William Handy has been appointed as the Interim Savannah Fire Chief while the city begins a national search for Kitchen’s replacement.
Kitchen had been a part of the Savannah Fire Department since 1998 and brought over two decades of experience to the role of fire chief. In acknowledging Kitchen’s long service, City Manager Melder expressed gratitude for his contributions to the City of Savannah. Meanwhile, all fire operations within the department will continue seamlessly during this transition period, ensuring that public safety remains intact.
William Handy has been a member of the Savannah Fire Department for 29 years, dedicating his career to various roles within the organization. Before his recent promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in 2024, Handy served as the Assistant Fire Chief for seven years. His extensive experience is expected to provide stability within the department as he takes on the responsibilities of interim chief.
Since his hiring in July 2022, Elzie Kitchen has been an influential figure in the Savannah Fire Department, leading initiatives and fostering a team-centric culture among firefighters. His immediate resignation raises questions about future strategies for the department and how the leadership transition will impact ongoing fire safety efforts in the city.
The upcoming search for a permanent fire chief marks a significant step for the City of Savannah, aiming to find a qualified individual who can uphold and advance the objectives of the department. As the fire service continues its essential functions, stakeholders will be paying close attention to the process of selecting Kitchen’s successor.
Overall, the resignation of Elzie Kitchen and the appointment of William Handy as interim chief represent a pivotal moment for the Savannah Fire Department, with both staff and residents looking for ongoing commitment and strong leadership as the situation evolves.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Savannah Fire Chief Resigns
- Google Search: Savannah Fire Department
- WTOC: Savannah Fire Chief Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Chief
- WSAV: Savannah Fire Names Interim Chief
- Google News: Fire Chief Resignation
- WJCL: Savannah’s Fire Chief Resigns
- Google Scholar: Fire Chief Leadership
- WTOC: Chatham County Volunteer Firefighters Resign
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
