After four decades of dedicated service to the City of Paris, Fire Chief Thomas McMonigle retired on August 27, concluding a career spanning 40 years and two months.
Assistant Fire Chief Bob Rast has been appointed as Interim Chief by City Manager Rose Beverly while the search for the next chief continues.
Chief McMonigle requested minimal fanfare surrounding his retirement, choosing to mark the milestone quietly with colleagues, fellow firefighters, and friends. In June, the city held a small reception to recognize Chief McMonigle’s 40th anniversary with the City of Paris and celebrate his then-pending retirement.
McMonigle recently shared on social media, “I’ve spent 40 wonderful years working the best job in the world with the best people on earth,” after receiving a gift from the Paris Professional Firefighters Association Local 576. Members of the association presented him with an engraved firefighter’s axe in recognition of his service and commitment to the department and community.
Chief McMonigle has been part of the Paris Fire Department for his entire firefighting career. He started as an entry-level firefighter in June 1986. After working through several positions in the department, he was appointed chief in December 2020.
“Chief McMonigle’s retirement is well earned, yet truly a loss for the City of Paris,” City Manager Rose Beverly said. “He has lived out his calling to protect the lives and property of his friends and neighbors, and to respond to emergencies throughout the community; his daily presence will be missed.”
The City of Paris extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to Chief McMonigle for 40 years of service and wishes him the very best in his retirement.
