Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Mayor Toby Barker announced Monday, Jan. 5, the appointment of Chris Carr as chief of the Hattiesburg Fire Department, succeeding Chief Sherrocko Stewart, who retired Dec. 31, 2025.

“Chris Carr brings deep experience, strong operational knowledge and a proven commitment to training and professional development,” Barker said. “He has been a key part of the leadership team and is well-prepared to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department moving forward.”

Carr has more than 28 years of fire service experience and has served with the Hattiesburg Fire Department since 2018, including more than three years as assistant fire chief. Prior to his appointment as assistant chief in 2022, he served as battalion chief and director of training at the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Academy.

“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,” Carr said. “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.”

During his tenure as assistant chief and training leader, Carr streamlined recruit and in-service curriculum, led multiple recruit classes annually, strengthened partnerships with the Mississippi State Fire Academy and expanded in-house training opportunities that resulted in record certification achievements by department personnel. He also helped establish a revenue-generating training program for external corporate and industrial partners.

Carr previously served as a senior instructor with the Mississippi State Fire Academy and as fire chief for the City of Poplarville. His career also includes service with fire departments in Poplarville, Diamondhead and Bay St. Louis.

He holds more than 75 fire service, training and leadership certifications and brings extensive experience in personnel management, budgeting and operations.

Carr’s appointment will be voted on during the Jan. 6 City Council meeting.

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