(WKYT) – Marc Rudder was named London’s new acting fire chief after the city’s previous chief and assistant chief were terminated.
Mayor Tracie Handley said Rudder is the director of training for the Kentucky Fire Commission and nationally recognized through the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.
Rudder has over 30 years of experience leading volunteer and combination fire service organizations, developing firefighters and officers, overseeing training and certification programs, and strengthening operational readiness, according to Handley.
Handley recently terminated London’s fire chief and assistant fire chief, Donnie Hale and Brandon Wagers. A letter from Handley cited concerns about department leadership, firefighter training requirements and an incident involving activating a fire alarm on Dec. 3, 2025.