May sworn-in as TFPD Chief
Jordyn May, 8, pins a Troy Fire Protection District badge on her dad’s uniform following his other Wednesday at the board of trustees meeting. (Photo by Pat Pratt)
By Pat Pratt
ppratt@times-tribunenews.com
Veteran firefighter George May was sworn-in Wednesday as the Chief of the Troy Fire Protection District.
May was administered the Firefighter’s Oath by TFPD Trustee Fred Patterson at the district’s April meeting. He most recently served as the Chief of the Maryville Fire Department and brings a wealth of experience to the position, which had been vacant since November 2021.
Board President Steve Lynn said the district used a recruiting service to draw from a diverse pool of applicants and ultimately, May was the top candidate for the position.
“He is a local guy and he’s well-known,” Lynn said. “I’ve personally known him for many years in the fire service. We are pleased to have him and are looking forward to a bright future.”
May began his career in Maryville in 1996 as a volunteer and rose through the ranks to captain, deputy chief and then chief in September of 2021. He retired from Maryville in March and was officially hired March 27 at TFPD. He has lived in Troy since 2013.
Troy Fire Protection District Trustee Fred Patterson administers the Firefighter’s Otha to new Chief George May at the Wednesday meeting of the board of trustees. (Photo by Pat Pratt)
Asked what some of the challenges were in leading public safety agencies, May said every day is something new.
“Each day presents new challenges in emergency services,” May said. “Everyday is something new. Emergency medical services as well as the fire service are constantly changing, so keeping up with all the training and education can be a challenge at times.”
One way he plans to tackle those challenges is through education. May said the board has recently allotted several new positions and training to equip personnel with the tools needed to do the job.
“The Troy Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has allowed us to bring on many new probationary paid-on-call firefighters, as well as have increased the full-time emergency medical services staffing with two additional career paramedics. The ongoing training program will allow us to continue to provide great service to all the citizens and visitors of the Troy Fire Protection District.”
May said continuing education applies to him as well and is needed for him to lead district first responders.
“My plan is to continue my education in the fire service, as well as in the emergency medical services and to be the leader the membership and community deserves.”
