Versailles Fire Chief T.A. Rankin named Kentucky Fire Chief of the Year, county judge-executive says

Versailles Fire Chief T.A. Rankin has been named Kentucky Fire Chief of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs, according to Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay.

Kay said Rankin’s recognition reflects the work of the Versailles Fire Department and its leadership role in the region’s public safety effort.

The announcement was made in connection with the state fire service organization’s annual recognition of top leadership within Kentucky’s fire service, with Kay citing Rankin as the award recipient.

The honor highlights the role of local fire officials in day-to-day emergency response and preparedness, including coordination among responders, training and readiness, and the leadership responsibilities carried by fire chiefs within their communities.

Public safety officials across the state routinely rely on structured professional development and department-level command to manage incidents ranging from fires to other emergencies. Awards that recognize fire chief leadership are often used to spotlight best practices and reinforce accountability within the fire service.

Rankin’s selection as Kentucky Fire Chief of the Year adds to Versailles’ local record of recognition in public service, with the county judge-executive publicly acknowledging the distinction following the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs announcement.

Additional details on the nomination process, the criteria used by the association, and any award ceremony timing were not included in the county announcement and were not specified in the report.