Baton Rouge, La. – May 14, 2021 – After 19 years of service as Chief of the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Ed Smith has announced his retirement. Chief Smith’s last day of duty will be May 17.

“Thank you to Chief Smith for his 47 years of service to the Baton Rouge Fire Department and to our community. Chief Smith has guided Baton Rouge through many emergency situations over the years, always demonstrating strong leadership and a reassuring presence,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.

Chief Smith is the second-longest-serving chief of the Baton Rouge Fire Department in its 102 years as an organization.

Chad Major will serve as the interim chief until a new chief is selected. Major retired from the Baton Rouge Fire Department in 2020 with 32 years of service. During his last 8 years, he served as the administrative assistant to Chief Smith.