Mike Thompson to retire as Shelby fire chief
By David Jacobs
Shelby Fire Chief Mike Thompson, leader of his department for more than 10 years, plans to retire and head to Pioneer Career and Technology Center as an instructor, Mayor Steve Schag confirmed on Monday.
"Chief Thompson has invested 24-plus years in our fire department -- selflessly serving the citizens of our city and the residents of Jackson and Sharon Townships (our fire district)," Mayor Schag said in a written statement prepared for Monday evening's Shelby City Council meeting where Thompson was given a round of applause by those in attendance.
Chief Thompson will be joining Pioneer Career and Technology Center here in Shelby as the instructor for its new first responder program, Schag said.
A successor as Shelby fire chief has not been named.
Chief Thompson said his last date on-station is set to be July 31 with his retirement to take effect Aug. 12.
"I'd like to thank City Council, City Hall, the firefighters, the volunteers, the citizens, the community and my family for their support," he said. "We got a lot done. Thanks for all of the help."
Chief Thompson was born and raised in Shelby and is a graduate of both Shelby High School and Pioneer in addition to Muskingum College, now known as Muskingum University at New Concord, about 20 miles east of the Zanesville area.
"It is just an incredible opportunity to go in a new direction," he said of his upcoming role at Pioneer. "I wish Shelby Fire the best."
Thompson was sworn in as Shelby fire chief in 2015.
"Since that time, he has done a commendable job as an innovator and one who inspired others through his servant leadership," Schag said in the statement. "It has been my pleasure and privilege to work alongside Chief Thompson since he took the reins a decade ago."
"He leaves behind an honorable legacy of a dedicated firefighter, advanced EMT, and chief. He truly will be missed by those who know him best," added Mayor Schag, who is also the city's director of public safety.
"Pioneer could not have chosen a better person to be the instructor for their brand-new first responder program!" Schag said.
Chief Thompson has a teaching background, an extensive knowledge base from his shared experiences with the Shelby Police Department and emergency room personnel, "a talent for engaging audiences, and a real desire to inspire young people to seriously consider a career in the various fields connected with public safety," Schag said.
"I consider his selection as a compliment to his family, the Shelby community and schools, and our fire department," Schag said.
"On behalf of our city and our fire department, I want to sincerely express my appreciation to Chief Mike Thompson for a stellar career and his invaluable contributions over his long tenure in public service. We wish him the very best in his life and in this new venture as an influential instructor and community partner," Schag concluded.
Recent years have placed increased responsibilities on Shelby Fire, which now handles all EMS calls in its service area since the unexpected departure of a private ambulance service from Shelby in the fall of 2022.
In 2024 overall, Shelby Fire responded to 2,016 calls for service, reflecting a 30.5% increase in call volume over the prior 15 years. Of the calls last year, 1,428 were EMS calls unrelated to motor vehicle accidents, 68 were motor vehicle crashes with injuries, and 24 were building fires.
That pace has continued into 2025.
Chief Thompson said the process for selecting a new leader for the Shelby Fire Department would go through civil service.
