(Stillwater, OK) – After 28 years of exemplary service with the Stillwater Fire Department, Fire Chief Terry Essary will be stepping down at the end of June to begin a new chapter with the Edmond Fire Department.
Chief Essary, who began his career in Stillwater in 1997, has been a steadfast leader in public safety, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike.
“We want to express our deepest appreciation to Chief Essary for his 28 years of dedicated service to the Stillwater Fire Department,” said City Manager Brady Moore. “His leadership, commitment to public safety, and unwavering service to our community, especially during critical times like the recent March wildfires, have left a lasting impact. We thank Chief Essary, his wife Amber, and their children for their incredible contributions and sacrifices for the Stillwater community over the past several years. He will always be a valued part of the Stillwater family.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made to further strengthen the Stillwater Fire Department’s ability to provide the highest levels of service to our community,” Stillwater Fire Chief Terry Essary said. The dedication and professionalism of our firefighters, and their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of this amazing community, has been nothing short of inspiring. It has been a tremendous honor to lead such an incredible team and to be part of a city that cares so deeply for its people. While I’m excited to embrace a new chapter as the fire chief in Edmond, saying goodbye to Stillwater is incredibly hard. This department, this city and its people have meant the world to me and my family. We will forever cherish our time here and the opportunity to serve such a special place.”
Chief Essary included his gratitude to Mayor Joyce, City Council, City Manager’s Office, and all City and County departments for their support and trust throughout the many years, and included, “It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as the fire chief alongside such a group of talented, selfless and dedicated leaders.”
During his time with the department, Chief Essary served in numerous capacities, including seven years with the Stillwater Police Department’s Special Operations Team. He is a certified paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from East Central University. His dedication to continued learning and leadership is demonstrated by his training with the Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program, the City of Stillwater’s leadership academy, and coursework at the National Fire Academy, New Mexico Tech, and the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
Chief Essary also holds the prestigious Chief Fire Officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is an active member of The Institution of Fire Engineers. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association.
Deputy City Manager Christy Driskel praised Chief Essary’s long-standing commitment and integrity, “Chief Essary has been a pillar of leadership and professionalism within the City of Stillwater. His ability to lead with compassion, strength, and expertise has shaped the culture of our Fire Department and left a lasting legacy. We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”
City Management and the Human Resources Department will begin a nationwide search to fill the position of Fire Chief. Assistant Chief Brandon Halcomb will serve as Acting Chief during recruitment.
