Columbia’s outgoing fire chief receives high praise from city manager Seewood

Columbia’s fire chief will be retiring from the city in April, after more than 25 years with the CFD.

The city made the announcement in a news release. Fire chief Clayton Farr Jr. has been with the Columbia fire department since 1998, working as a firefighter, assistant fire marshal, lieutenant, battalion chief, division chief/shift commander, and assistant fire chief. He’s been chief since 2022.

City manager De’Carlon Seewood praises Chief Farr, saying he’s been an effective leader and has enhanced the CFD’s recruiting efforts, including hiring 24 new firefighters. Mr. Seewood also notes that during Chief Farr’s tenure, the new $4.5 million fire station 11 opened on Scott Boulevard in fast-growing southwest Columbia.