NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Monroe, La.) – Today, the City of Monroe received official notice from Governor Jeff Landry reappointing Timothy Williams as Fire Chief of the Monroe Fire Department. This action follows the completion of the civil service testing process and marks the end of a nearly two‑year period in which the City has been without a permanent fire chief due to ongoing litigation.

Mayor Friday Ellis expressed his appreciation for the Governor’s continued partnership and leadership.

“Governor Landry has once again acted within the clear authority provided by state law to ensure Monroe residents have the level of public safety they deserve,” said Mayor Ellis. “His collaboration has been essential in restoring stability and confidence to our fire department.”

After the Governor’s initial appointment last year, the civil service test expired during the extended period consumed by the lawsuit filed by three council members. Once the case was dismissed, the City immediately followed all required civil service procedures: reopening the examination, coordinating with State Civil Service, administering the test, and receiving the certified scores. With the eligibility list finalized, the Governor has now reissued the appointment.

“I want to personally thank Chief Maxey for his service to the Monroe Fire Department in this time of transition. His commitment to our community and those he serves is immeasurable.”

“Timothy Williams is a proven leader,” Mayor Ellis said. “This is what it looks like to stay focused on the main thing… ensuring top‑notch leadership for our firefighters and the highest standards of public safety for our citizens. Our firefighters have carried the mission while litigation ensued. Today, we give them the permanent leadership they deserve.”

Acting Fire Chief Maxey said, “I was appointed Acting Fire Chief on July 8, 2024. It has been an honor to serve during this transition period. With the hard work and dedication of our members, the department earned another Class 1 rating, an accomplishment made possible by every division chief and employee. I thank Mayor Friday Ellis for his confidence and leadership during my tenure. I have also valued working with our division chiefs as we continued to provide high-quality public service and professional emergency response throughout the city. I welcome Chief Timothy Williams to the Monroe Fire Department and am confident he will serve with integrity and lead the department well for years to come. Having known Chief Williams for several years, I look forward to working with him as he begins his service with our department.”

Chief Timothy Williams brings decades of experience, deep credentials, and a distinguished record of service. He has spent his career serving the men and women of Bastrop, earning their respect through professionalism, leadership, and dedication. He is eager to bring that same commitment and experience to Monroe’s firefighters and the citizens they protect.

“I want to thank Mayor Ellis and the Governor for their continued trust and confidence in me. I have spent my career serving the City of Bastrop and the members of the Fire Department as Chief. I am proud of what we accomplished together. I am honored and eager to bring that same level of leadership, commitment, and service to the City of Monroe. There is important work ahead. Our focus will be on strengthening training, modernizing operations, supporting our firefighters, and continuing to build trust and strong relationships with the community,” said Chief Williams about the appointment.

“I believe Monroe deserves strong, steady, and professional leadership in public safety, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief and help lead the department forward. I look forward to working with the firefighters, city leadership, and the Monroe community as we build on the department’s strengths and prepare for the future.”

Chief Williams will assume his duties on October 1, 2026.