City of Cheyenne 2-17-17
Cheyenne Fire Rescue Chief James Martin announced today he will end a 31 plus year career with the department on February 28.
Martin started with the Cheyenne Fire Department on May 11, 1985 as a firefighter and worked up the ranks which included engineer, interim assistant chief of training, battalion chief, operations division chief before being named interim Fire and Rescue Chief in May of 2010. He was appointed fire chief in September 2010.
“I will miss my fellow employees the most,” said Martin. “I work with a great group of firefighters who are dedicated to the City and I have a great staff.” Martin said he has accepted an opportunity outside the city.
“I’m proud of the progress we have made while I have been chief. We have worked hard to improve the equipment firefighters use including new fire apparatus and new bunker gear,” Martin said. “I’m also proud of the City’s ISO rating.” In November 2016, Cheyenne Fire & Rescue was awarded a Class 1/1X Public Protection Classification rating by the Insurance Service Office which means Cheyenne Fire & Rescue fire protection capabilities are among the best in the nation. This was the first time Cheyenne has been awarded a Class 1 classification. The last class rating for the City was in 2010 and it received a Class 3/8 rating. The ISO rating is one of the factors insurance companies consider when setting fire insurance premiums.
Mayor Marian Orr said the City is grateful for the dedication James Martin has provided to the City and its residents. “James Martin is an example of what can be accomplished when hard work and devotion are involved. We will miss Jim’s leadership.”
Mayor Orr said an interim chief will be announced before Feb. 28.
“We want to leave no stone unturned in our search for a new chief,” said Orr. “We want to find the best person for the job because our firefighters and our residents deserve it.”
