Photo provided by City of St. Thomas
St. Thomas Fire Chief David Gregory is preparing to hang up his uniform next spring, bringing a career of nearly 34 years with the city to a close.
Gregory will retire in May 2027, ending a career that has seen him rise through the ranks of the St. Thomas Fire Department, from probationary firefighter to its top leadership position.
For Gregory, the job has also meant serving the community he has called home his entire life.
“It’s been like winning the lottery,” said Chief Gregory. “I grew up in the courthouse district, not far from the original fire station, and to spend my entire career serving the community where I was born and raised has been incredibly rewarding.”
Gregory joined the department in 1994 and spent roughly two decades working as a firefighter before moving into leadership roles as a Captain and Acting Platoon Chief. He shifted to Fire Prevention in 2020 before being named Deputy Chief in early 2022. He took over as Fire Chief that March.
During his time in the role, Gregory has helped steer the department through changes while keeping public safety, firefighter wellness and community involvement among its priorities.
Mayor Joe Preston says Gregory’s years of service have helped shape the department and the city’s emergency response.
“On behalf of City Council and the residents of St. Thomas, I want to thank Chief Gregory for his outstanding service and dedication to our community,” said Mayor Joe Preston. “For more than three decades, David has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to public safety. His leadership has helped strengthen the Fire Department and ensure residents continue to receive exceptional service. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in retirement.”
Once he retires, Gregory plans to turn more of his attention to family life and the farm he runs at home. He also says he’s confident the city will be in good hands after his departure.
“I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and dedicating more time to our farm at home,” he said. “At the same time, I leave knowing the City is in great hands. Council, our City Manager, Directors, and staff continue to move St. Thomas forward, and I have every confidence that the next Fire Chief will build on the momentum we’ve created together.”
The city expects to begin looking for Gregory’s successor in the coming months, giving officials time to prepare for the leadership change ahead of his May 2027 retirement.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
