Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia to Retire at End of Year

After an illustrious career leading the Indianola Fire Department for nearly 10 years, Fire Chief Greg Chia has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024.

"I have been fortunate enough to be a member of two professional city government organizations. I could not have designed and experienced a better career, seeing all the positive developments that make our communities safe," Chief Chia said. "Working as the Indianola Fire Chief has been an incredible experience that has allowed me to develop numerous skills and serve the community with devotion."

City Manager Benjamin Reeves thanked Chief Chia for his dedication to the Indianola Fire Department and the transformation he led during his tenure.

"Chief Chia's exceptional leadership has propelled the department forward, making significant strides in not only enhanced emergency protocols, preparedness and responsiveness but also a supportive culture of camaraderie and excellence," Reeves said. "I sincerely appreciate Chief Chia's tireless work ethic to strengthening the services that impact the quality of life in Indianola, and the City of Indianola is grateful for his service."

A graduate of Simpson College, Chief Chia started as a firefighter in 1985 with the Des Moines Fire Department. Over his 30 years in Des Moines, he worked his way up the ranks as lieutenant, captain, district chief, assistant fire chief and chief officer. Highly regarded as an industry expert in emergency services, Chief Chia previously worked with the State of Iowa Type 3 Incident Management Team through disasters like the Des Moines metro flooding in 1993, the EF-5 tornado in 2008 that devastated Parkersburg, Iowa, and wildfires in the southern and western United States.

Chief Chia became Indianola's fire chief in May 2015. Under his tutelage, Indianola encountered multiple changes in skills, regulations and equipment as a combination department that provides both fire and emergency medical services in a district that covers approximately 125 square miles of territory in the center of Warren County, including the City of Indianola.

Without the support over the years from city administration as well as the Indianola City Council, Chief Chia noted that he could not have implemented the advancements to develop the department's current structure of operations.

Most notably, Chief Chia has admired the Indianola Fire Department's ability to adapt rapidly and live up to its mission to protect the lives and property of Indianola residents and visitors.

"Together we improved the working conditions, the safety of our members and the community," Chief Chia said of current and past staff. "You allowed me to be the chief I wanted to be - a chief officer who elevates success and celebrates the results of your professionalism and dedication. I will always be your biggest supporter and look forward to the evolution of this department."

A national search for Indianola's next fire chief will begin in July.

To learn more about the Indianola Fire Department, please visit indianolaiowa.gov/fire.

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