06/03/2026
🚒 Honoring Our History, Celebrating Our Legacy
Montgomery Fire/Rescue was proud to welcome retired Fire Chief Jim Sutherland for a special visit this week.
Chief Sutherland dedicated 27 years of service to the citizens of Montgomery, serving from May 1957 until his retirement on May 4, 1984. He led the department as Fire Chief for four years and played an important role in shaping Montgomery Fire/Rescue during a period of significant growth and change.
During his visit, Chief Sutherland toured Station 10 to see firsthand the many advancements in firefighting, emergency medical services, communications, and technology that have transformed the department since his retirement more than four decades ago. He also visited Station 2, where he once served during his career.
At both stations, Chief Sutherland spent time with our firefighters, sharing stories from his years on the job, recounting memorable moments from Montgomery’s fire service history, and enjoying plenty of laughs along the way. His visit served as a reminder that while equipment and technology continue to evolve, the dedication to serving our community remains unchanged.
Montgomery Fire/Rescue has been led by just 13 Fire Chiefs throughout our history. Today, only three of those chiefs are still living: retired Chief Jim Sutherland, retired Chief Miford Jordan, and current Fire Chief Russ Collier. Their combined leadership represents decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the men and women of Montgomery Fire/Rescue and the citizens we proudly serve.
Thank you, Chief Sutherland, for your years of leadership and for taking the time to visit with our personnel. We were honored to have you back in the firehouse.