Mayor Fischer Announces Doug Hamilton, Chief of Public Services, Is Retiring After Nearly 50 Years Of Public Service

Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Doug Hamilton, Chief of Public Services, is retiring from Louisville Metro Government after serving the community for nearly 50 years.

Hamilton began his career in 1971 as a city of Louisville police officer, working up the ranks to chief and then serving as a U.S. Marshal. Hamilton later returned to Louisville Metro to lead cross-functional, cross-agency teams and built the city’s unified emergency communication system.

He served as the Emergency Manager for Louisville/Jefferson County from March 2004 until January 2013, when he was appointed by Mayor Fischer to be Chief of Public Services.

That same year, Hamilton was recognized for his outstanding impact on emergency services and was inducted into the Emergency Management Hall of Fame. He has served on many boards and commissions, including the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Red Cross.

“Doug has been the consummate public servant, serving with compassion, pride and a commitment to keeping the people of Louisville safe. Doug has brought a forward-thinking approach and incorporation of new technologies into all public services,” said the Mayor. “I’m honored that he devoted his career to serving our community. We will miss his institutional knowledge and his wonderful wit.”

Hamilton said the decision to leave was bittersweet, but after becoming a grandfather this summer, with another grandchild on the way, “I decided that I want to help my daughters and those babies with as much of my time as they need.”

“Working in public safety is like having a front row seat to the greatest show on earth,” he added. “The opportunities in public service have led me to meet and work with some very talented people over the years. I couldn’t begin to thank them all, but each made an impression that helped me throughout my career. And I’m so proud of the commitment, courage and compassion evident in public safety and services personnel in meeting the challenges the complexity of humanity presents.”

Hamilton’s last day will be Aug. 31, 2019. The Mayor will work with him on a smooth transition.