New Gulfport Fire Chief sworn in
In the wake of former Gulfport Fire Chief Michael Beyerstedt’s retirement, Mayor Billy Hewes swore in Billy Kelley as his replacement Friday.
The Gulfport City Council picked Deputy Chief Kelley last month just a few days after Beyerstedt’s announcement.
Kelley, a Gulfport native, has served the department for twenty-one years and has held every sworn position in the department including battalion chief.
Mayor Hewes submitted a letter of recommendation for Kelley’s appointment.
Beyerstedt, having served as chief since 2011, will move on to become general manager at Windance Country Club. Gulfport Fire Chief Billy Kelley said, “Things are moving good. Like I said, our big thing we want to tackle right now is recruitment and retention. Even though we did just swear in ten new firefighters, we’ve still got room. So, if you’re out there watching this, you know, think about Gulfport firemen because we’re a family.”
Chief Beyerstedt served his last day Friday, October 1st, the day of the ceremony.
