History
Founding of the Fire Department
The Niceville Fire Department shares in the city’s rich and storied past, built on a foundation of community service and dedication.
The department was first organized in 1952 as a volunteer effort and officially named its first Fire Chief in 1953. Known proudly as the “Niceville Smoke Eaters,” the department grew under the leadership of Chief Dowling Phillips and Mayor Donald Neal.
In its formative years, other key figures played important roles, including Chief T.H. Lovell, Chief Bud Harrel, and Mayor Randall Wise, who was named president of the department in 1955.
A pivotal milestone came on August 21, 1962, when Chief Brown, with the support of Mayor Walker Spence, formally established the Niceville Volunteer Fire Department under Ordinance No. 165—officially recognizing the department as part of the City of Niceville government.
Leadership Through the Years
Since its founding, the department has been guided by dedicated leaders who helped shape it into the professional organization it is today.
| Years | Fire Chief | Notes / Additional Roles |
|---|---|---|
| 1954–1955 | Chief T.H. Brown | |
| 1955–1962 | Chief Bud Harrel | Assistant Chief Parrish, President Randall Wise |
| 1962–1964 | Chief Lowery Brown | Department formally established under Ordinance No. 165 |
| 1964–1965 | Chief Aubra T. Williamson | Assistant Chief Jonnie R. Crain, President Comer Chase |
| 1965–1966 | Chief C.B. “Jim” Williams | Elected department chaplain in 1955 |
| 1966–1968 | Chief Aubra T. Williamson | Returned to serve a second term |
| 1968–1971 | Chief Tony Henderson | First Paid Fire Chief |
| 1971–1983 | Chief Aubra T. Williamson | Second Paid Fire Chief |
| 1983–1986 | Chief Jim Davis | Assistant Chief Jim Wollard |
| 1986–2005 | Chief Mike Wright | |
| 2005–2025 | Chief Tommy Mayville | Served 43 years with the City of Niceville |
| 2025–Present | Chief Alex Kukulus | Current Fire Chief |
A Tradition of Service
From its beginnings as a volunteer department in the 1950s to the modern, professional organization it is today, the Niceville Fire Department continues to serve the community with pride, professionalism, and dedication.
Each generation of firefighters has built upon the legacy of those who came before them—ensuring that the spirit of the Niceville Smoke Eaters lives on.
