Ocean Springs Fire Chief announces retirement

Ocean Springs, MS –Fire Chief Derek McCoy has announced that he will retire from the Ocean Springs Fire Department on May 10, 2024.

He has 26 years of experience in the fire service.

After graduating from the Fire Academy 1998, McCoy started his career at the Jackson County Fire District. Beginning in 1999, he served as the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Gautier.

The City of Ocean Springs appointed him as Fire Chief in 2019. McCoy has served as the President of the Mississippi Fire Investigators Association, the Southeast Vice President of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association, and the Chairman of the Mississippi Fire Personnel Minimum Standards & Certification Board.

“The Board of Aldermen and I are grateful to Chief McCoy for his dedication to fire service and specifically to the City of Ocean Springs and its community,” said Mayor Kenny Holloway. “We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we look forward to what he will do next.”

“My time as Chief has allowed me to accomplish many things for my department including building the fire training tower and establishing the first 1001 fire training academy in Jackson County. I am excited for the new two new fire trucks including the branded Ocean Springs Greyhound truck,” said McCoy.

“Ocean Springs is a great community, and our department has always had a great relationship with the public. Thank you to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for allowing me to lead and to the city employees for your support. Thank you to my department for always exceeding my expectations and making our department one of the best on the Coast. I am excited to be able to retire and start my next chapter.”