Columbia Fire Department's chief training officer will serve as interim chief

Michael Arnhart, Columbia Fire Department chief training officer, was tapped Wednesday as the city's interim fire chief. He starts in this role April 1, coinciding with the retirement of Clayton Farr Jr. as chief.

"Arnhart has years of experience in fire service as a leader," said De’Carlon Seewood, city manager, in the announcement. "His relevant experience and familiarity with the Columbia Fire Department and the community will allow CFD to maintain its exceptional service. I am appreciative that he is stepping into this temporary role, and I am confident in his ability to lead the department while we search for our next fire chief."

Arnhart's previous experience includes chief of the Antonia Fire Protection District in Barnhart; chief, deputy chief, fire marshal and firefighter for the High Ridge Fire Protection District; and as an instructor at the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute and the St. Louis County Fire Academy. He has served as Columbia's chief training office since 2021.

"I am excited to step into this role to allow continuity for employees of the fire department and for the future of the department as our next chief comes on board," Arnhart said in the announcement.

He has a bachelor's degree in fire administration and safety from Western Illinois University and an associate's degree in fire science technology from Jefferson College in Hillsboro. Additional training includes a vocational technical certificate in fire science technology from Jefferson College and completion of the fire officer development certificate Program from the University of Missouri.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia names Michael Arnhart interim fire chief