Chief Russell G. Collier joined Montgomery Fire/Rescue in May of 1998 shortly after graduating from Wetumpka High School in 1997. He rose through the ranks and served the department in many areas including Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, Fire Service Inspections, Special Operations, and Standards/Compliance.

As the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Collier is responsible for assisting the Fire Chief with the general management of the department’s annual budget, staffing, and grant writing and management. He oversees the daily operations of the Administrative Division, Training Division, and Information Technology Division. Chief Collier also manages the accreditation process of Montgomery Fire/Rescue, ISO evaluation, and NFPA compliance. The result of this assignment ensures the quality-of-service Montgomery Fire/Rescue provides, is the highest level possible due to the evaluation of service, identification of strengths and weaknesses, communication of organizational priorities, strategic planning, and meeting or exceeding industry best practices.

Chief Collier earned an associate degree from Trenholm State Community College and holds many professional certifications from the Alabama Fire College, the National Fire Academy, University of Maryland, and New Mexico Tech. The Commission on Professional Credentialing designated Chief Collier as a certified Chief Fire Officer which recognizes career excellence and offers strategies for continuous personal improvement. Chief Collier is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class XXXII, National Fire Staff and Command Course, and Montgomery Fire/Rescue’s 2004 Firefighter of the Year. He also serves as project manager for several Montgomery Fire/Rescue special events including the Firefighter Combat Challenge and 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. 

Chief Gauntt was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in February 2018. In July 2018, Chief Gauntt was selected to become the Chief of Operations of Montgomery Fire/Rescue. As the Chief of Operations, Chief Gauntt directs the daily operation of the Suppression and EMS Division. He also assists the Fire Chief in strategic planning and goal setting for departmental long-range needs concerning administration, operations, and personnel. Among his other duties, he also manages the hiring process for all incoming employment candidates. He directs and oversees a committee which conducts critical analysis of emergency incidents that resulted in employee injury "Close Call Committee," and makes recommendations to prevent future similar incidents. Chief Gauntt believes that each day is a day for improvement. 

Chief Executive Officer Audrey L. Milam 

(334) 625-2228
amilam@montgomeryal.gov