MONTGOMERY, AL – After an historic and transformative career spanning four decades, Fire Chief Miford Jordan will retire from the Montgomery Fire/Rescue Department, effective August 1, 2025.

A native of Fort Deposit and Lowndes County, Chief Jordan began his career in July 1985 and has served the Capital City with unwavering dedication.

After 22 years in various firefighting roles, he ascended to become the city’s first Black deputy fire chief, and later its first Black fire chief. He also became the third firefighter in department history to reach 40 years of service.

“Chief Miford Jordan’s legacy is one of leadership, integrity, and service, said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “For 40 years, he has been a steady and courageous presence in our city—saving lives, breaking barriers, and building one of the most respected fire departments in the nation.”

Under Chief Jordan’s leadership, the department achieved the coveted ISO 1 classification, reflecting the highest operational performance.

The ISO 1 Rating is a distinction earned by less than 0.2 percent of communities nationwide.

ISO ratings are the nationwide standard by which community fire protective services are evaluated.

Virtually all insurance companies in the United States use this data to establish fire insurance premiums, and the ISO 1 rating helps lower fees for residential and commercial customers.

The department also achieved CFAI (Commission on Fire Accreditation International) and CASS accreditations, signaling excellence in standards, benchmarks, and continuous improvement.

Chief Jordan also oversaw substantial investments to upgrade EMS equipment, purchase new fire and medic vehicles, and open the state‑of‑the‑art Fire Station 10.

He also championed improved firefighter compensation and wellness initiatives.

Since Mayor Reed assumed office, the department saw roughly 32 percent salary increases, boosting recruitment, morale, and retention.

Chief Jordan was also actively involved in positioning Montgomery Fire/Rescue as a cornerstone of social responsibility in the community.

Under his guidance, the department donated nearly $2 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, $700,000 to the United Way, and $50,000 for cancer research and wellness programs.

“Chief Jordan not only protected our community, but he inspired it,” Reed said. “We are grateful for his decades of service, and we congratulate him on a well-earned retirement. His impact will be felt for generations to come.”

###