City of Independence Fire Chief Doug Short announces retirement

City of Independence Fire Chief Doug Short has announced his retirement today. Chief Short joined the Independence Fire Department in December 2012 and was hired as Chief in January 2018. His fire career spans more than 35 years. His last day on duty will be July 28.

“Chief Short has played a major role in the history of our City, not only leading the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but also in moving the Independence Fire Department into the next era,” City Manager Zach Walker said. “From manning the mass vaccination clinics to overseeing important strategic planning efforts for the department, Chief Short has left his mark on one of the oldest fire departments west of the Mississippi and we are all better for it.”  

Chief Short began his career at age 19, as a Volunteer Firefighter and Full-time EMT with the City of Higginsville, he then moved through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to Division Chief with the Fort Osage Fire Protection District from 1992-2005. He became the Fire Chief of the West Peculiar Fire Protection District in 2005.

Chief Short has long believed in the importance of education and has served as an instructor for the Fort Osage District and as an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute and the Metropolitan Community College-Blue River.

"Serving my country, community, and city and leading the men and women of the Independence Fire Department has been my honor, and I am incredibly proud of all they do for our community," Chief Short said. "The history of this department is immense, and I know there will be more great things on the horizon. My family and I will forever be grateful for the support of this community and their strong backing of first responders."  

The City of Independence will embark on a national search to fill the Fire Chief Position.