Fire chiefs meet in Meridian for annual conference
Published 1:00 am Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Kyle Hill, fire coordinator for Lamar County and president of the Mississippi Fire Chief’s Association, welcomes fire chiefs to the association’s annual mid-winter conference Wednesday at the MSU Riley Center. Photo by Thomas Howard
Fire chiefs from throughout Mississippi gathered Wednesday in Meridian as they kicked off the two-day Mississippi Fire Chief’s Association Mid-Winter Conference at the MSU Riley Center. The annual convention is a time for the state’s lead firefighters to grow their skills, network with other departments and learn about the latest innovations in firefighting technology from equipment vendors.
Meridian Fire Chief Michael Evans said he was glad to welcome the chiefs to town and show them what the Queen City has to offer.
“It’s an honor for us to have this here in Meridian. I don’t know if we’ve ever had it here before,” he said. “If it was, it’s been a long, long time ago.”
Fire chiefs from throughout the state visited Meridian this week as the Mississippi Fire Chief’s Association holds its annual mid-winter conference in the Queen City. Photo by Thomas Howard
Meridian Fire Department, Evans said, has 82 people working in fire suppression, inspections and administrative roles. Responding to approximately 4,000 calls per year, MFD is one of the busiest departments in the state, he said.
Evans said he had some reservations at first about hosting this year’s conference, but a mentor advised him to delegate the bulk of the planning to someone trustworthy. After some consideration, he said he asked Justin Kentfield, president of the Meridian Firefighters Association-Local 52 Union, to take the reins in organizing for the event.
“Justin took this on, took it and ran with it,” he said. “Him and his union guys have done a fantastic job so far. He’s put a lot of work into it, a lot of time into it, and I just want to thank him personally.”
Local elected officials also welcomed the firefighters to town encouraging them to visit Meridian’s attractions such as The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, Threefoot Brewery and more.
Chantay Rhone of Senatobia Fire Department, left, and Greenville Fire Chief Ruben Brown visit with each other at the MSU Riley Center Wednesday during the Mississippi Association of Fire Chief’s Mid-Winter Conference. Photo by Thomas Howard
Lauderdale County Supervisor J.J. Anders, who serves as president of the Board of Supervisors, said being a firefighter is more than just a job, and he wants to thank all firefighters for their efforts keeping communities across the state safe.
“Thank you guys for what you do,” he said. “It’s a calling. It’s not a job, and I just appreciate every one of you guys, and may God continue to bless you and your families.”
