The head of the Missoula fire department to retire after 32 years of service

Missoula, Mont. – The head of the Missoula fire brigade, Gordy Hughes, will retire on June 30th from the department.

Chef Hughes served in the fire brigade for 32 years.

He entered the Missoula Fire Department for the first time in August 1993 after serving the US Coast Guard for four years.

Chief Hughes studied wildlife biology at the University of Montana when he was asked to open the fire brigade.

He was a fireman for 13 years before entering the fire prevention office as an inspector.

Hughes was discontinued in 2017, in 2017 deputy boss and by Mayor John Engen in January 2022 as fire chief.

The fire brigade of the city of Missoula sent the following:

Chief Hughes, who withdraws from the fire department of the city of Missoula, will withdraw from the city of Missoula on June 30th. After a worthwhile 32-year career in the fire brigade, Chief Hughes made the decision to withdraw and mark the end of an era in the management of the department.

“Chief Hughes had an extraordinary career at the Missoula fire brigade,” said Mayor Andrea Davis. “He leaves an incredible heritage for the department and the city.” Chef Hughes grew up in Missoula and completed the Loyola Sacred Heart High School. In August 1993 he joined the Missoula fire brigade as Rookie firefighter after serving for four years in the US Coast Guard. He studied wildlife biology at the University of Montana when the fire brigade called with a job opening. He served as a fireman for 13 years before moving to the fire prevention office as an inspector. He became a firefighter and deputy boss in 2017. Mayor John Engen hired him as a fire chief in January 2022.

During his entire term at the Missoula fire brigade, Chief Hughes has committed to ensuring the security and well-being of the Missoula community

“The citizens of Missoula were a profound honor and privileges,” said Chief Hughes. “I had the pleasure of working with many extraordinary people, and I am lucky enough to have lifelong friendships in the community and in our fire brigade.” Chef Hughes thanks the departments of the department for their unshakable support, loyalty and commitment.

“Your commitment not only made my work more fulfilling as a boss, but also contributed strongly to the safety of our city and the success of the organization,” he said. “I am proud to have worked together next to such an extraordinary team.”

Under the leadership of Chief Hughes, the Missoula fire brigade recorded considerable progress, including the successful adoption of fire brigade levy in 2024 and the preservation of a federal employee of 7 million US dollars for adequate scholarships for fire and emergency reactions (safer). These successes contributed to improving the ability of the department, serving the community and growing in their mission, saving life, protecting property and relieving pain and suffering.

Although the decision to retire was not easy, Chief Hughes' trust in the future of the department is high. “I am happy about the continued growth and success of the department,” he said. “With the dynamics we have built, I know that the MFD will continue to thrive in its service to Missoula.” Stacie Anderson, representative of the city council of Ward 5 and chairman of the Council's health and company group, worked with Chief Hughes during his entire term and appreciated his professionalism and his science for the fire brigade.

“The city of Missoula and the fire brigade are grateful for chief Hughes's committed service,” she said. “He is very missing from both his colleagues and the residents and visitors he served.”