Tulsa Fire Chief Ray Driskell announces retirement

(TULSA, Okla.) After 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Tulsa, Fire Chief Ray Driskell will retire effective April 30, 2020. Chief Driskell began his career with the Tulsa Fire Department in 1993. He was hired as a firefighter at Station 29 and promoted through the ranks serving as a fire equipment operator, captain, district chief, chief of finance, assistant chief, fire marshall, and deputy chief of field operations. He was appointed fire chief in May 2012 by former Mayor Dewey Bartlett. Over three and a half decades, Driskell served the citizens and has announced that he is ready for retirement. “I have seen many changes throughout my years of service with the Tulsa Fire Department. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and am looking forward to the next chapter in my life. I plan to spend quality time with my family and continue, from a different capacity, watching the men and women of this department serve our great city,” said Chief Driskell. Mayor Bynum has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Scott Clark as interim chief until the new chief is selected. “Chief Ray Driskell has been a true public servant over 35 years with the Tulsa Fire Department. Under Chief Driskell’s leadership, the Tulsa Fire Department has achieved the highest possible Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating – designating it as one of the best departments in the nation,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “He oversaw the expansion of the department’s workforce to meet modern day needs, while expediting the acquisition of new trucks and initiating the construction of a new station to serve East Tulsa. Working closely with him over the years, I came to understand what motivated Chief Driskell in his work: a great love for the men and women of the Tulsa Fire Department. I am grateful for his service, and wish him well in his retirement.”