The city of Opelika is pleased to announce Shane Boyd as the city’s new
Fire Chief, effective April 1, 2021. Boyd is replacing Chief Byron Prather, who retired on
Jan. 31, 2021. Boyd comes to Opelika from Bessemer, where he served as the deputy
fire chief for three years.
Mayor Gary Fuller stated, “After an extensive search across the southeast by an outside
recruiting firm, we interviewed seven outstanding candidates. Shane Boyd was our
choice because of his experience and proven track record of leadership. The Opelika Fire
Department has a long and proud history in our community. I believe Shane will take us
to a higher level of service for our citizens and community.”
Boyd began his career as a Firefighter EMT at the Birmingport Fire District in 1993, before
moving to the Concord Fire Department as a Firefighter Paramedic. He then served the
City of Bessemer for some 25 years as a firefighter paramedic, fire sergeant, fire
lieutenant, fire captain and battalion captain.