Chief Sherrocko Stewart of Hattiesburg Fire Department, who served as chief of the department since 2018, retired on Dec. 31, 2025. Under his leadership, the department improved the city’s fire rating from a Class 4 to a Class 3, saving homeowners on their insurance rates and improving the safety of the community. Stewart also oversaw the construction of Station 9 and major renovations at stations 1, 5 and 7.
Stewart also added five new fire apparatuses to the department’s fleet, reached full staffing levels despite increases in required positions, raised the department’s starting salary to $45,000, implemented incentives for additional training and education and strengthened the organizational capacity of the department’s administration.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Hattiesburg and work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Hattiesburg Fire Department,” said Stewart. “I am grateful for the support of city leadership, our firefighters, staff and the community we serve, and I take pride in the progress made in my tenure. I am confident the department is well-positioned to continue its mission of excellence and service.”
In a press conference held at city hall on Monday morning, it was announced that the assistant chief, Chris Carr, was appointed by Mayor Toby Barker to lead the department as chief.
“Chris Carr brings deep experience, strong operational knowledge and a proven commitment to training and development,” said Barker. “He has been a key part of the leadership team and is well-prepared to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department moving forward.”
Carr previously served as senior instructor with the Mississippi State Fire Academy, fire chief for the City of Poplarville, and served departments in Diamondhead and Bay St. Louis. Since beginning his service with Hattiesburg Fire Department in 2018, he has served as battalion chief, training director at the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Academy and has served the last three years as assistant chief.
“It is an honor to be selected to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department, and I am grateful for the confidence Mayor Barker has placed in me,” said Carr. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation in place left by Chief Sherrocko Stewart and thank him for his leadership and service to this department and our community.”
