OKC's First Black Fire Chief
- Nd Community
- 3 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Published August 8, 2026 at 9:15 AM EDT
Derrick Kiel has been selected as Oklahoma City’s 22nd Fire Chief
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Derrick Kiel has been selected as the 22nd Fire Chief of Oklahoma City, making him the first Black person to lead the department in its history. Kiel, currently Deputy Chief of Support Service and Logistics, will assume the position Oct. 1, succeeding retiring Chief Richard Kelley. A 27-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, Kiel joined in March 1999 and has served at every rank during his career.
City Manager Craig Freeman cited Kiel’s extensive operational experience, leadership and emphasis on firefighter and community safety in announcing the appointment. As chief, Kiel will oversee a $225 million budget and 1,117 positions across the department’s Administration, Fire Prevention, Operations and Support divisions. Kiel is a graduate of U.S. Grant High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Oklahoma.
“I’m honored to lead the Oklahoma City Fire Department into its next chapter,” Kiel said. “Our firefighters are among the best in the nation, and my priority is to continue fostering a culture of exceptional service for our residents, employees and community partners. A healthy culture is built through clear expectations, transparent communication, accountability and leaders who model the values they expect from others.”
Comments