Fire Chief Jeff Anderson Named 2025 Kentucky League of Cities City Employee of the Year

The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) has named Fire Chief Jeff Anderson of the City of Morehead as the 2025 City Employee of the Year, recognizing his exceptional leadership, innovation and unwavering dedication to public service.

Chief Anderson, a 40-year veteran of the fire service, has served as Morehead’s Fire Chief since 2009. His career spans decades of distinguished service in Wilmore, Jessamine County and Nicholasville. A respected member of the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs and current 9th District Vice President, Chief Anderson has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep commitment to community safety.

In 2022, Chief Anderson spearheaded a transformative initiative to address the growing challenges faced by volunteer fire departments. His proposal to transition Morehead’s fire service from an all-volunteer model to a combination department with part-time and full-time firefighters was unanimously approved by the City Council. Under his guidance, the department now operates 24/7 with dramatically improved emergency response times; now under 90 seconds.

Chief Anderson also led efforts to design a new fire station to meet the evolving needs of a full-time force, ensuring the facility will serve the Morehead community for the next 50 years.

“Chief Anderson is more than a department head; he is a mentor, a visionary and a tireless advocate for the people of Morehead,” said Laura White Brown, Mayor of Morehead. “His impact on our city’s emergency services and his dedication to public safety make him truly deserving of this honor.”

As part of the award, KLC presented Chief Anderson with a commemorative plaque during the annual conference and produced a special video tribute that will be shared on social media and at KLC events. In his honor, KLC will also donate $1,000 to a Kentucky city program or charity of his choice.

Chief Anderson’s recognition as City Employee of the Year highlights the vital role city employees play in shaping strong, resilient communities across the Commonwealth.

About the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC): The Kentucky League of Cities is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a resource and advocate for cities across the Commonwealth. KLC provides training, legal guidance, legislative advocacy and insurance services to help cities operate efficiently and effectively. With a mission to strengthen Kentucky’s communities, KLC supports local leaders and city employees in building vibrant, safe and sustainable places to live and work. www.klc.org