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To Recognize Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ in Honor of his 32 years of Distinguished Service with the Columbus Division of Fire
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WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Columbus recognizes that the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of our community depend in no small part on the professionalism, readiness, and courage of the members of the Columbus Division of Fire; and
WHEREAS, Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ has devoted more than three decades to public service, beginning his career with the Columbus Division of Fire as a firefighter in 1993 and working his way through the ranks in service to the residents of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Chief Happ demonstrated steady leadership and operational excellence, earning promotions to Lieutenant in 1998, Captain in 2003, Battalion Chief in 2014, and Assistant Chief in 2018, and serving in the key assignment of Battalion Commander of the Fire and Explosives Investigative Unit; and
WHEREAS, on May 28, 2020, Jeffrey Happ was appointed to serve as Interim Fire Chief of the Columbus Division of Fire, and on February 9, 2021, he was named the permanent Fire Chief, accepting the responsibility to lead a department of approximately 1,650 dedicated firefighters and paramedics; and
WHEREAS, Chief Happ’s leadership occurred during a period of extraordinary operational demands on emergency services, including the COVID-19 pandemic era and continuing pressures on fire and emergency medical response systems; and
WHEREAS, Chief Happ was widely recognized for advancing efforts to strengthen a culture of professionalism, accountability, and inclusion within the Division, and for supporting recruitment and workforce development initiatives intended to better reflect and serve the diverse communities of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Chief Happ was instrumental in organizing the Division’s first Fire Cadet Class, a program designed to introduce civilian students to firefighting and create additional pathways into careers in public safety; and
WHEREAS, Chief Happ emphasized the importance of investing in the wellbeing and effectiveness of first responders, including initiatives and priorities focused on mental and physical wellness and ongoing leadership development; and
WHEREAS, during Chief Happ’s tenure, the City advanced significant investments in public safety facilities and operations, including initiating and completing major design efforts for a new Fire Station 36 and procuring critical apparatus and equipment to support modern fire and EMS response, including medics, engines, EMS vehicles, and resources supporting alternative response efforts; and
WHEREAS, after a career marked by dedication to service and commitment to the residents of Columbus, Chief Happ announced his retirement effective close of business January 16, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Columbus wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ for his years of distinguished service and to extend best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in the next chapter of his life; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council hereby recognizes and honors Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ for his distinguished service to the City of Columbus and the Columbus Division of Fire, and expresses its appreciation for his leadership and contributions to public safety; and