Neal out as fire chief

2:17 p.m. July 22, 2025 • Updated at 2:34 p.m. July 22, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

There was a palpable buzz in the courthouse on Tuesday, and it involved one of the county's most recognizable department heads.

Mayor Sloan Stewart confirmed that Mark Neal is out as Chief of the Metro Moore Volunteer Fire Department.

Stewart noted this is a personnel matter, and that he could not comment on why Neal was no longer employed by the county.

The Observer reached Neal at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. He said, "I retired. Turned my paper in today. After 50 years, I am done.

"I have been in emergency services for over 50 years," he continued. "The stress and anxiety of the responsibility was just getting to me, and I decided that it was time to go and retire.

"We have a good crew that will serve our community well."

Six weeks ago, Neal was part of the ceremonial "back-in" at Station 1 on Majors Boulevard in Lynchburg, welcoming a new fire engine into service.

We will continue to follow this story as needed.