The City has named Derik Minard as its new Chief of the Westminster Fire Department. Minard brings more than 30 years of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) experience to the role, four of which he served as deputy chief of operations of the Westminster Fire Department.  

Minard returns to Westminster after spending three years as Chief of the Savannah Fire Department in Savannah, Georgia. During his time there, Minard led a team of 338 personnel and managed 15 fire stations. 

“I have gained valuable leadership experience leading a team of exceptional fire professionals during my time as the highest-ranking official of the Savannah Fire Department,” said Minard. “I’m ready to bring that fresh perspective back to the place I’ve always called home. Westminster is my community, and through nearly three decades of service here, I have vested time, energy, and passion into the organization and residents we serve. I am excited to get back to work protecting the great people of Westminster.” 

Minard first joined the Westminster Fire Department in 1991. Over the next 24 years, Minard moved up the ranks from firefighter and paramedic, to Lieutenant in Fire Prevention, and EMS Chief. Minard also played a role in developing the department’s Wildland team, which he led as Captain and Battalion Chief for several years. In 2015, Minard was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He held the second-in-command position until 2019, when he left Westminster to lead the Savannah Fire Department as Chief. 

“The City of Westminster is excited to welcome Chief Minard back to the organization,” said Interim City Manager Jody Andrews. “His reputation as an exceptional leader and the positive impact he had on the Westminster Fire Department will be an invaluable asset to our city.” 

In addition to serving the community as a firefighter for three decades, Minard is also a veteran of the United States Army and has completed National Fire Academy’s prestigious Executive Fire Officer certification program.   

Minard’s first day will be August 1, 2022, and he will be tasked with leading the City’s Fire Department comprised of 144 personnel and six fire stations. 

“The Westminster Fire Department and residents are going to have a leader who is knowledgeable, experienced, and invested in our community,” said Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally. “We are honored to welcome Chief Minard back to the place he calls home.” 

Minard will take the reins from current Westminster Fire Chief Doug Hall, who will retire on July 3, 2022, after 43 years of service. The City is grateful for Chief Hall’s decades of service including the last 10 years leading the men and women of the Westminster Fire Department.