Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley will step down Sept. 30 after 35 years with the department, including nine years leading it.

Deputy Chief Derrick Kiel, a 27-year veteran of the department, takes over Oct. 1 as the city's 22nd fire chief and its first Black fire chief, according to a city announcement. City Manager Craig Freeman announced Kiel's selection on Aug. 6.

Kelley, the city's 21st fire chief in a role dating to 1889, joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department on Sept. 13, 1991, and served in every rank before becoming chief. A Moore High School graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Technology in emergency responder administration from Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.

His tenure reshaped the department.

Under Kelley, the department expanded to 38 fire stations, launched a drone program and implemented fire-based EMS transport. He also guided the creation of the Whole Blood Program and Mobile Integrated Healthcare.

Kelley built the city's Urban Search and Rescue program in 2004. Earlier in his career, he responded to the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing, where he worked for 11 days, according to the city's retirement announcement.

"It's been the honor of my life to serve the residents of Oklahoma City," Kelley said in the announcement. He added that he would miss interacting with the department's firefighters and staff most.

Freeman said Kelley leads by putting others first and facing challenges directly. He said Kelley's influence on the department and the community would be felt for years.

Kiel, a U.S. Grant High School graduate with a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership from the University of Oklahoma, was serving as deputy chief of support service and logistics before his selection. He has served in every rank during his 27 years with the department, which began March 19, 1999.

He inherits a $225 million budget and 1,117 positions across four divisions: Administration, Fire Prevention, Operations and Support. Kiel will report to Jason Ferbrache, one of three assistant city managers.

When Freeman announced the appointment in August, Kiel said his priority would be "fostering a culture of exceptional service" built on clear expectations, transparent communication and accountability.

No public ceremony for the transition has been announced.