City announces retirement of Auburn Fire Chief, new chief selected
The City of Auburn has announced in a Tuesday press release their fire chief will retire in April. A new chief has also been appointed.
Image: City of Auburn
Auburn Fire Chief John Lankford who has served in the fire department for 30 years announced his plan to retire at the end of the month, with Auburn firefighter Matt Cain taking on the role.
Image: City of Auburn
Chief Lankford discovered his passion for firefighting while in high school in California. After moving back to the South, he attended Auburn University, where he began volunteering at Southwest Lee County Fire Department. He enrolled as a student firefighter during his junior year and realized he preferred firefighting over academics. After graduating in 1997, he joined Auburn Fire and became chief of Southwest Lee County Fire Department from 1997 to 2005. He earned an associate’s degree in fire science and various certifications throughout his career. Lankford trained over 100 firefighters as a training officer and was promoted to deputy chief in 2014, eventually becoming chief and leading the department for the last 10 years.
Image: City of Auburn
Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch said in a statement,
From his time as a student firefighter through his leadership as fire chief, Chief Lankford has dedicated his time and talents to providing high quality service to the citizens of Auburn while methodically growing the Fire Department and its services to meet the demands of a fast-growing community. It’s been an honor to work alongside him, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue making an impact in his next venture.
During his time as chief with the city of Auburn, Lankford enhanced the department’s services by prioritizing training, professionalism, and improvements in equipment. During his time, Auburn experienced significant population growth, leading to the opening of Fire Station No. 6 in 2022, which improved response times in north Auburn. In 2023, the department received its Advanced Life Support license, enabling better community rescue services with more licensed paramedics and upgraded medical equipment.
Image: City of Auburn
Lankford also advocated for the creation of a dedicated training center in Auburn, eliminating the need for firefighters to travel for training. The new Public Safety Training Center on U.S. Highway 280 features a drill tower, search and rescue maze simulator, burn building, and a large multiuse classroom, serving as a regional hub for training and collaboration.
Image: City of Auburn
After retirement from the City of Auburn, Chief Lankford is planning to pursue a career in fire cause and origin investigations.
Image: City of Auburn
During the announcement of his retiring, Chief John Lankford said,
I appreciate the community’s unwavering support over the years and I want them to know that we have a great group of men and women that are here and ready to continue providing top-tier service whenever they’re needed.
Lankford will pass the torch over to longtime Auburn firefighter Matt Cain, who most recently served as the city’s first EMS officer.
Image: City of Auburn
Cain began his journey with Auburn Fire, starting as a student firefighter in 2006 and working his way up to battalion chief over 19 years. Since the department got its Advanced Life Support license in October 2023, he’s been instrumental in enhancing the ALS response by adding more licensed paramedics and upgrading medical equipment.
With a bachelor’s degree in science from Auburn University, Cain has also been a training officer since 2014 and is a Certified Advanced EMT. Plus, he’s been volunteering with Southwest Lee County Fire Department since 2006, where he’s served as board treasurer for a decade, handling the budget and purchasing.
Cain ended the announcement by saying,
For me, the City of Auburn is more than just a place to live, it’s a place I proudly call home. I’ve committed most of my adult life to serving Auburn residents by pouring my heart into a department that I truly believe to be the finest group of men and women in our region. The role of fire chief is bigger than a single person. Much like an ambassador, it’s a symbol of an entire cause. Its job is to advocate for what it represents. The Fire Department, but more importantly, the citizens it’s sworn to protect. I’m honored to serve in this distinguished and influential role in our city, and I look forward to our future.
Cain will become fire chief on April 1st following Lankford’s retirement on March 31st.
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