Michael Williams Sr.

Michael Williams Sr. has announced his retirement as the chief of the Paris Fire Department after a 39-year career. Williams will remain with the department in an advisory role to incoming Chief Jamie Hinson until the end of June. Williams joined the Paris Fire Department in 1984, working his way up to lieutenant in 1995, captain in 1997, fire marshal in 2000, and interim chief then officially as chief in 2008. Prior to coming to the department, Williams joined first the National Guard and then the U.S> Army where he served for five years in Germany. He eventually returned to the National Guard, retiring as a master sergeant in 2015 after a 30-year career. Williams is a member of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Association, and a board member of Henry County 911. He is a state-certified fire safety inspector.