Local News 

CFD Chief to retire; New Chief announced

John Clark
CFD Chief Mike Compton

Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton has announced that he’ll be retiring from the department in mid-July. Chief Compton was sworn as a firefighter on January 22, 1988 by Mayor Robert Stewart.

Over his three decade career, Chief Compton was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief. On January 1, 2016 Compton was appointed Chief of Fire by Mayor Jim Lienhoop. Chief Compton’s official retirement date will be July 23rd.

Chief Compton, led to a major capital funding request to replace CFD’s aging vehicle extrication rescue equipment and the refurbishment of a 20 year old rescue vehicle. He also oversaw the development of the department’s first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program that allows drones to aid emergency personnel.

“As my career with the Columbus Fire Department comes to an end, it cannot be overstated that the support of the department personnel, Mayor Lienhoop and his staff, the Columbus Common Council, the Board of Public Works and Safety, and all of the City’s departments, made the job fulfilling and satisfying,” said Compton.

Mayor Lienhoop expressed gratitude for Compton’s service. “Chief Compton has a deep understanding of what a well-run fire department should look like and he worked hard to make that happen. He is well-respected and dedicated to the men and women who work for the Columbus Fire Department; his leadership will be missed.”

Dep. Chief Paul Lay; photos courtesy of Columbus Fire Dept.

Mayor Leinhoop has selected Paul A. Lay, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Fire Department Operations, as the next Chief of Fire. Lay will take over as Fire Chief on July 23rd.

City officials say that Lay has served as the Deputy Chief of Operations since 2016, and has served the Columbus Fire Department since 1997. Lay has held the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain before being named Deputy Chief under Chief Mike Compton. Lay also served with the Shelbyville Fire Department prior to joining CFD. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve our community as Chief of Fire,” said Lay. “I look forward to working with Mayor Lienhoop and our city administration, our community partners, and the men of women of the Columbus Fire Department.”