September 20, 2025

Savannah Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen Resigns

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.