News Summary
Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen has resigned from the Savannah Fire Department, effective immediately. Deputy Chief William Handy will serve as Interim Fire Chief. The City Manager acknowledged Kitchen’s contributions and confirmed a national search for a new chief will begin. Handy, with nearly three decades of experience, is expected to lead the department seamlessly during this transition, which follows Kitchen’s brief tenure marked by community-focused initiatives.
Savannah – Fire Chief Elzie Kitchen has resigned from his position with the Savannah Fire Department effective immediately as of Friday, September 19, 2025, citing personal matters. Deputy Fire Chief William Handy has been appointed as the Interim Savannah Fire Chief following Kitchen’s departure.
City Manager Jay Melder confirmed that he accepted Chief Kitchen’s resignation and expressed gratitude for his service to the City of Savannah. Kitchen had been with the Savannah Fire Department since 1998 and served as the department’s 36th fire chief, a position he assumed in July 2022.
Handy, who has 29 years of experience in various positions within the Savannah Fire Department, will step into the interim role. Prior to being appointed Deputy Chief in 2024, Handy served as Assistant Fire Chief for seven years. His extensive background within the department makes him well-suited to lead the team during the transitional period.
The City of Savannah plans to initiate a national search for a new fire chief immediately following Kitchen’s resignation. Despite the leadership change, City officials have assured that all fire operations will continue as normal during this interim period, ensuring that public safety services are not disrupted.
Elzie Kitchen’s resignation marks a significant transition for the Savannah Fire Department as the city seeks to ensure a smooth handover to the next chief. His tenure, although brief, was marked by commitments to fostering a dedicated service within the community and promoting safety protocols throughout the department.
Prior to Kitchen’s leadership, the Savannah Fire Department had undergone various changes and developments aimed at enhancing operations and recruitment. The department’s aim has been to build a more resilient and experienced team capable of meeting the needs of Savannah’s growing population.
Chief Kitchen’s time in service began in 1998, and he rose through the ranks over the years, showcasing strong leadership abilities. His appointment as chief in July 2022 came after a lengthy career during which he championed various initiatives related to public safety and community awareness.
As the Savannah Fire Department moves forward with Deputy Chief Handy at the helm, the city is optimistic that the leadership transition will be smooth and that the department will continue its tradition of excellence in firefighting and emergency response. The recruitment process for a new chief is expected to take time, as the city seeks to find a leader who aligns with its vision for the future of the department.
The upcoming adjustments in the department reflect the ongoing need for strong leadership in public safety and the critical role that the fire department plays in protecting the lives and property of Savannah residents.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Fire Chief Resigns
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- WSAV: Savannah Fire Names Interim Fire Chief
- Google Search: Savannah Fire Department
- Savannah Now: Fire Chief Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
- WJCL: Savannah’s Fire Chief Resigns
- Google News: Savannah Fire Chief
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.
