The City of Glasgow is excited to announce Lucas Tinsley as the new Fire Chief of the Glasgow Fire Department (GFD). A dedicated public servant with over 12 years of experience at GFD, Tinsley has proven himself as a capable and passionate leader in the fire service. He steps into his new role after serving as Battalion Chief for the past two years and taking on countless challenges that have shaped his approach to leadership.
A Passion for Service
Lucas Tinsley was raised in Allen County, Kentucky, where a family tradition in the fire service inspired his early desire to serve his community. He began his college career at Western Kentucky University before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a degree in Fire & Safety Technology. His educational foundation, paired with nearly five years of service at the Richmond Fire Department, laid the groundwork for a lifelong career dedicated to protecting others. His journey led him to Glasgow, where he joined the fire department in August 2012 as a firefighter, and from there, his career only progressed.
Reflecting on his career, Chief Tinsley said, “Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the fire service, I always felt a calling to serve. I was fortunate to have the support of my family, which has allowed me to pursue this career wholeheartedly. Each position I’ve held at GFD has served as a building block, preparing me for this new role as Fire Chief.”
A Vision for Growth
Tinsley is stepping into the role of Fire Chief at a pivotal time. As with many industries, fire departments across the country are facing challenges with recruitment and retention of firefighters. For Tinsley, addressing this challenge is a top priority. He recognizes the importance of bringing in qualified individuals who are committed to the department’s mission.
“Our biggest challenge is recruitment and retention, and the fire service isn’t immune to this,” Tinsley said. “At GFD, we’ll continue focusing on this area to ensure that we have the best individuals helping us serve our community.”
However, Tinsley’s vision for GFD extends beyond just recruitment. He wants to ensure that the department remains progressive and forward-thinking, all while maintaining the excellent service that the community of Glasgow has come to expect.
“Our goal is to keep moving forward,” Tinsley emphasized. “I want to ensure we continue delivering excellent customer service and that our department remains one the community takes great pride in.”
A Strong Foundation
Tinsley attributes much of his leadership style to the varied experiences he’s had throughout his career, both good and bad. As Battalion Chief, he gained valuable insight into the administrative side of the department, which will undoubtedly help him as he steps into the role of Fire Chief. He also learned the importance of listening to his team and trusting their expertise.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that effective leadership starts with listening. Our firefighters have great ideas about the trainings and resources they need, and I plan to prioritize those ideas to ensure they have what they need to serve our community to the best of their abilities,” Tinsley said.
Tinsley also believes that the relationship between GFD and the citizens of Glasgow is strong, and he’s committed to maintaining and strengthening that bond.
“Our relationship with the community is one of our greatest strengths, and we’ll continue building on that. As new opportunities arise, we’ll be ready to engage and deepen our connection with the people we serve,” he shared.
A Commitment to Community
For Tinsley, firefighting isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. And that passion is something he’s eager to pass on to the next generation of firefighters. Under his leadership, GFD will continue to focus on training, community outreach, and fire safety education, ensuring that the people of Glasgow are well-protected.
Mayor Henry Royse expressed his confidence in Tinsley’s leadership, saying, “Chief Tinsley has played a vital role in the growth and advancement of the Glasgow Fire Department. His dedication and vision make him the perfect choice to lead the department as Fire Chief. We congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion and look forward to his continued leadership.”
As Tinsley takes on his new role, he does so with a clear vision for the future and a deep sense of gratitude for the trust placed in him by the city.
Looking Ahead
As Chief Tinsley steps into this new chapter, he remains focused on his primary goals: strengthening the department, addressing the challenges of recruitment and retention, and continuing to build upon the strong relationship between GFD and the community. His journey from firefighter to Fire Chief has been shaped by hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence—a journey that will undoubtedly benefit the citizens of Glasgow for years to come.
The City of Glasgow is proud to welcome Chief Lucas Tinsley into his new role and is excited for the future of the Glasgow Fire Department under his leadership.
