Derby Fire and Rescue started as a volunteer department in 1952 with 13 volunteers. It has been operating as a full-time city department since 2005, after more than 50 years of service from the volunteer department. Fire Chief Brad Smith came on board in 2004 to help establish the groundwork for full-time staff. Chief Smith retired in 2019 and was replaced by Fire Chief John Turner. In addition to the Fire Chief, there is a Deputy Fire Chief, 27 full-time firefighters, 11 part-time firefighters, and 17 volunteers.

The department continues the tradition of outstanding service to the citizens of Derby by delivering fire protection, medical first response service, fire prevention education, and fire safety inspections in the community. The department ensures the highest level of training needed to keep fire personnel prepared for any event. In addition, volunteer firefighters are utilized to provide service in a backup capacity to the city’s full-time staff.

Derby Star Article (Sept. 1956)
Fire History Photo Gallery