Tuesday, April 24, 2012
City of Bryant Fire Chief Announces Retirement

On April 23, 2012, Bryant Fire Chief Randy Cox submitted a letter of resignation addressed to Mayor Jill Dabbs, All Bryant Fire Department Employees, All Council Members and the City of Bryant. The Fire Chief stated that due to continued health issues and several surgeries as well as everyday struggles with pain, “I can no longer meet the requirements of my job. Please be advised that I will be leaving my position with the City of Bryant, as Fire Chief. My last day of service will be May 25th, 2012.”

The Fire Chief has served the City of Bryant with the Fire Department for 22 years. The last 13 years as Fire Chief. When he started as a member of the Fire Department, the City had 22 dedicated volunteers along with an ISO rating of Class 7. When he was hired as full time Fire Chief, the city had 4 full time employees along with 20 dedicated volunteers and an ISO rating of Class 5. Today, the City of Bryant has 48 highly trained full time fire fighters staffing 3 stations on duty 24 hours a day and an ISO rating of Class 3.

Chief Cox stated he would like to thank Mayor Dabbs for swearing him into her administration on January 1, 2011 and thanked her for allowing him to continue to serve the City of Bryant. He also thanked past mayors (the late) Roy Bishop as well as Paul Halley and Larry Mitchell along with past Council members for their support of the Bryant Fire Department and his administration. Chief Cox stated he would also like to thank the current Council members for their support as well. Chief cox stated he would like to thank his “administrative assistant Cindy Bell and “my bravest”, our firefighters for their support and continued service to our city, also thanks to the citizens of Bryant for allowing me this journey and opportunity to serve as their Fire Chief”. Chief Cox also stated, “I feel I am leaving the department in better shape than when I started and I am proud of what we have accomplished by working together”.

Chief Cox has always tried to be a good steward of the citizens’ money and put Bryant’s firefighters’ safety and the safety of Bryant’s citizens first, while keeping what’s best for our city in mind with every decision. Chief Cox guided the Fire Department’s evolution over the last several years to meet the increasing service demands of a rapidly growing community. Chief Cox maintained a strict fiscally conservative oversight while authorizing service enhancement and capital improvements. He is truly a balanced leader, an authoritative presence with a genuine sense of caring. Under Chief Cox leadership, the Fire Department has grown in stature and excellence, providing high levels of professional services to the City of Bryant.

He leaves the department in excellent condition. His leadership and friendship within the city family will be missed. We wish him and his wife success and happiness in the next chapter of their lives.