It’s been almost four decades since Ryan Riley first took up the fire hose.
At age 14, the New London native joined the volunteer fire department there in 1987. As of last night, he’s now wearing the badge of Kilgore Fire Chief.
For months, City of Kilgore leaders have been itching to officially appoint Riley to lead the local fire service and bumped up his appointment on the agenda this week. At Mayor Ronnie Spradlin’s invitation Tuesday evening, Mayor Pro Tem Victor Boyd was first to make a motion that was followed immediately by a simultaneous ‘Second’ from the remaining council members on the dais.
Riley was the immediate pick for interim fire chief earlier this year. The local elected officials officially tapped him for the long-term post in early June and have been waiting for the necessary approvals to come down the line from the State of Texas and other entities.
According to Kilgore City Manager Rachel Rowe, multiple candidates were interviewed in person and online after the vacancy opened at Kilgore Fire Department.
“Ryan was the pick of the interview board to be our fire chief,” she said emphatically Aug. 26 in front a healthy crowd of Riley’s family members, well-wishers and local first responders – at least, those firefighters who weren’t pulled away from the boss’ moment by the call of duty. Per Rowe, “We are finally able to recognize him today and ask for your approval.”
A Texas A&M alum, Riley worked 23 years for Fastenal Industrial Supplies and joined the City of Kilgore roster via Kilgore Rescue Unit in 2017. He was appointed Rescue Chief in April 2021 and also served the city as Parks & Facilities Director.
Riley was promoted to Emergency Management Coordinator in February 2022 and eventually accepted the duties of Fire Marshal as well. Among other efforts, he’s a dedicated volunteer and board member for the community’s annual Special Abilities Family Fun Event (SAFFE Day).
“He has had many roles in the short time he’s been with the City of Kilgore,” Rowe said.
With unanimous approval from council members, the chief’s wife, Ginger, and son, Mason, pinned his new badge Tuesday amid hearty applause in the council chambers.
