Interim City Manager Bill Cochran announced Wednesday that Randy Phillips was selected to be the next Fire Chief for the City of Topeka.
Chief Phillips has 26 years of experience in fire service, all of which has been spent at the Topeka Fire Department (TFD). Chief Phillips rose through TFD’s ranks, and had been serving as the Interim Deputy Chief since December 2021.
Chief Phillips’ father, Dennis Phillips, was the Topeka Fire Chief from 2002 to 2004.
“I am very excited that Randy Phillips will serve as Fire Chief. Randy is a life-long Topekan, and seeing homegrown talent serve in key leadership roles is extremely important to me, and many others in our community,” said Interim City Manager Cochran. “I am confident with Chief Phillips’ strong leadership qualities and experience, he will ensure the strategic planning and vision for the department continues to move forward.”
Chief Phillips was selected out of five finalists. This selection is effective March 4, when Chief Craig Duke retires.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the brave men and women that make up the Topeka Fire Department,” said Chief Phillips. “The fire service is a team effort and I am excited to work together to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Topeka.”