Covington council confirms Stephen Michelle as fire chief
January 14, 2026 | Covington, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
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The Covington City Council unanimously confirmed Mayor Mark Johnson’s nomination of Stephen Michelle as the city’s next fire chief during its Jan. 13 meeting.
Mayor Mark Johnson opened the nomination, saying, “For the council’s consideration, I submit Stephen Michelle as my choice for fire chief of the Covington Fire Department,” and read a biographical summary that traced Michelle’s local roots and 30 years of service, including his time as assistant fire chief since 2007 and his work leading the Never Forget Foundation.
Council members moved and seconded a motion to appoint Michelle and then held a roll-call vote; each recorded vote was in favor. After the vote, the newly confirmed chief addressed the council and public, thanking the council and emphasizing teamwork: “I will not let you all down.”
The mayor’s nomination highlighted Michelle’s local ties, volunteer work beginning at age 15, involvement with a parish opioid task force, and a nonprofit effort that the mayor said has raised approximately $60,000 to date to support first-responder families, with roughly $30,000 paid out. The council’s formal action completed the appointment; Michelle will assume the duties and responsibilities of fire chief as determined by city policy and the administration.
No council member raised a motion to delay or amend the appointment during the meeting; the vote was recorded during the roll call portion of the public meeting.
The council adjourned after addressing several other agenda items; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.
Mayor Mark Johnson opened the nomination, saying, “For the council’s consideration, I submit Stephen Michelle as my choice for fire chief of the Covington Fire Department,” and read a biographical summary that traced Michelle’s local roots and 30 years of service, including his time as assistant fire chief since 2007 and his work leading the Never Forget Foundation.
Council members moved and seconded a motion to appoint Michelle and then held a roll-call vote; each recorded vote was in favor. After the vote, the newly confirmed chief addressed the council and public, thanking the council and emphasizing teamwork: “I will not let you all down.”
The mayor’s nomination highlighted Michelle’s local ties, volunteer work beginning at age 15, involvement with a parish opioid task force, and a nonprofit effort that the mayor said has raised approximately $60,000 to date to support first-responder families, with roughly $30,000 paid out. The council’s formal action completed the appointment; Michelle will assume the duties and responsibilities of fire chief as determined by city policy and the administration.
No council member raised a motion to delay or amend the appointment during the meeting; the vote was recorded during the roll call portion of the public meeting.
The council adjourned after addressing several other agenda items; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.
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