The City of Gulfport ratifies the next fire chief
Gulfport’s City Council has ratified the pick for the the next Fire Department Chief, Billy Kelley.
Current Gulfport Fire Chief Mike Beyerstedt will serve his last day on October 1st and he then plans to serve as the general manager at Windance County Club in Gulfport.
Deputy Chief Kelley has served with the Gulfport Fire Department for 21 years and worked every sworn position from fire fighter recruit to boat deputy chief positions.
In the council meeting, there was a ceremony for Chief Beyerstedt, honoring his 11 years with Gulfport Fire.
Deputy Fire Chief Kelley said, “I really love getting out in the community. I love Gulfport, born and raised in Gulfport. My family’s here and just meeting new people and our stakeholders and our partnerships out there. It’s just fun. Overwhelmed to lead such a great team here at the fire department and with the city. It’s just overwhelming. It’s not about me. It’s about just doing the community’s work and being the spokesperson for such a great team.”
Deputy Chief Kelly tells News 25 his family is nervous about the change in position but have and will continue to support his career.
