Protecting the City against fire
The Helena Fire Department has grown considerably since its beginning in 1960, evolving into a modern career department dedicated to serving and protecting the City of Helena. With three strategically located stations, our team of 34 full-time and 13 part-time personnel respond to approximately 2,400 incidents annually. We operate a fleet of three ALS (Advanced Life Support) Engines, two ALS Transport units, one Aerial apparatus (cross-manned), one Tanker (cross-manned), and a Shift Commander unit. Our department prides itself on helping others and doing what needs to be done to make Helena a safe and great place to live, always poised to respond and adapt to the needs of our community.
Early Years and Foundations
The department was first organized in 1960 by a group of residents passionate about protecting their community. Among these founding volunteers were Kenneth Mullins, Roy Damron, George Anderson, and Johnny Deviner. Their initial equipment included a 1953 Ford 300 GPM pumper with a 1954 Mercury engine, acquired from Harless Fire Equipment in Birmingham. For its first few years, the department operated under a committee structure without a designated Fire Chief. The first fire station was located behind City Hall on Helena Road.
On February 25, 1963, Kenneth Mullins was appointed as the city’s first Fire Chief by the Mayor and City Council. During this period, the department was staffed by approximately 10 volunteers. Significant growth occurred in 1974 with the construction of a new fire station on Tucker Road and the purchase of a new 1974 Ford 750 GPM pumper. Chief Mullins served diligently until his retirement in 1979 and was honored with the title of Fire Chief Emeritus in 1986.
Growth and the Dawn of EMS
Melton Dearing assumed the role of Fire Chief from 1979 to 1980. The city then transitioned to a paid Fire Chief model, with Chief Lonnie Thompson serving for approximately six months before returning to his home department in Shelco. Chief Russell Sprouse briefly led the department in the fall of 1981.
On May 25, 1982, Gary Penhale was appointed as Fire Chief. Chief Penhale ushered the department into a new era of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Under his leadership, the first ALS (Advanced Life Support) rescue unit was established, and the department’s volunteer ranks grew to over 20 individuals. Hoyt Acton made history as the department’s first paid firefighter. Chief Penhale’s tenure saw significant expansion, including the acquisition of three new fire apparatus and two rescue units. By the time he retired in 2004, two new fire stations had been constructed, and the department had a staff of 14 paid personnel.
Modernization and Continued Development
On May 16, 2005, Captain Peter S. Valenti was appointed Fire Chief. Chief Valenti continued the department’s trajectory of growth, overseeing a force of three stations, 18 full-time, and 7 part-time personnel. A major milestone was reached in 2007 with the purchase of the department’s first aerial apparatus, soon followed by a new 2008 pumper. Under Chief Valenti’s leadership, the department successfully secured substantial grant funding, leading to the acquisition of a considerable amount of new equipment.
On March 5, 2009, Chief Valenti transitioned to the role of Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal to spend more time with his family, and Deputy Chief John Wilder was promoted to Fire Chief. In Late 2015, Chief John Wilder returned to his previous role as Fire Marshal, with Deputy Chief Valenti resuming the position of Fire Chief. At that time, the department was staffed by 15 full-time firefighters, 5 part-time employees and 10-12 volunteers. Chief Valenti once again oversaw significant growth, expanding the department to 23 full-time employees, 10 part-time employees and 5-10 volunteers before his retirement in 2023.
In August 2023, Captain Christopher Miller was appointed Fire Chief by the Mayor and Council. Chief Miller has ensured the continued growth of the department, notably transitioning it from a Combination Department to a Career Department. He led the department through the annexation of the Indian Ford Fire District, significantly increasing the department’s response area to 32 square miles. Miller also put ALS Transports in service to ensure continuity of care is delivered. Currently, the department proudly operates with 35 full-time employees and 13 part-time personnel
Chris Miller
Fire Chief
Email: cmiller@cityofhelena.org
Phone: (205) 663-5809 option 6
Phone: (205) 663-2161 Ext 220
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
