Former Joplin fire chief announces retirement

(From the City of Temple, Texas)

The City of Temple is announcing the retirement of Temple Fire & Rescue Chief Mitch Randles, effective January 5, 2026. Chief Randles has been a dedicated member of the department and the community since joining in August 2014. By the time of his retirement, he will have achieved an impressive 40 years of service in public safety, having served in a wide range of roles including Paramedic, Police Officer, Firefighter, Driver, Captain, Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief, and ultimately, Fire Chief.

Career in Joplin, Missouri

Before joining the City of Temple, Chief Randles served more than 23 years with the Joplin Fire Department, where he retired as Fire Chief. During his tenure in Joplin, he contributed to the creation of a special operations team, upgraded the fleet of fire apparatus, oversaw the construction of three new fire stations, and designed a regional public safety training center. Notably, Chief Randles helped lead the city's response and recovery efforts following the devastating 2011 Joplin EF-5 Tornado, which destroyed over a third of the city's homes and businesses, including two fire stations and his own home.

Achievements in Temple

While in Temple, Chief Randles has overseen or assisted with the restructuring of the department to improve and streamline operations. He oversaw the development of the firefighter training academy, increased training opportunities for both Temple Fire Rescue and our regional response partners and the department's special operations team, improved the fire apparatus fleet, particularly its aerial ladder capabilities, and constructed the first phase of the Fire Training Center, converting it to a public safety training center. 

He also created a Fire Master Plan, including the relocation of Fire Station #7, the plan for five new fire stations, and the addition of numerous apparatus and personnel. Chief Randles also participated in several notable major responses, including the bridge collapse on Highway 35 in Salado, Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, the COVID pandemic, the Highway 36 heavy haul incident, and the 2024 Temple Tornado.

“I greatly appreciated my time in Temple and all of the support our residents, City Council, City Manager, and staff have given to the department, my family, and myself during my tenure here at Temple Fire & Rescue," Randles said. "I feel that because of this support, Temple Fire Rescue is truly a leader in the public safety community and is set to continue to lead the way well into the future.”

The City of Temple extends its deepest appreciation to Chief Randles for his outstanding service, dedication, and leadership.