From Titus Volunteer Fire Department
James Conner was recently appointed as the new Fire Chief of Titus Fire Department and began his new assignment on January 1, 2025. Chief Conner brings 21 years of distinguished public safety experience to his role as the newly appointed Fire Chief of the Titus Fire Department. He began his fire service career with the Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service, where he honed his skills and dedicated 14 years to protecting his community serving in such roles as Firefighter/Paramedic, Apparatus Operator, Fire Investigator/Inspector within the Tuscaloosa Fire Marshal’s Office and SRT Paramedic with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Rising through the ranks, he served proudly as a Lieutenant/Paramedic, showcasing his leadership, expertise in emergency response, and commitment to excellence.
Additionally, Chief Conner served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Alabama Fire College from 2010 until 2019 where he taught numerous fire and EMS related classes through the State of Alabama. Chief Conner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigation from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama as well as numerous fire service certifications from the Alabama Fire College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Chief Conner is also a Nationally Registered Paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Chief Conner currently works full-time with the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation where he holds the rank of Special Agent, Senior. Chief Conner is a graduate of the 2004 Class of Wetumpka High School and was raised in Elmore County. Chief Conner is married to Nikki Conner and has two sons, Eli and Nicholas where they have lived in the Titus Community for the last eight years. Chief Conner has been an active member of the Titus Fire Department for the last eight years and has held the ranks of Captain and Assistant Chief.
Chief Conner comes in to replace former Titus Fire Chief TJ Hartley who served the community of Titus proudly and faithfully for 19 years. Chief TJ served 8 of those years as the Fire Chief. TJ will continue to serve the community of Titus.
Chief Conner is quoted as stating, “As the newly appointed Fire Chief of the Titus Fire Department, I am deeply honored to continue the tradition of excellence established by Chief Hartley. His leadership and dedication set a high standard for service, and I am committed to building on that legacy with integrity, innovation, and a steadfast focus on the safety and well-being of our community.”
Chief Conner is passionate about advancing fire service operations, fostering teamwork, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of the Titus community. His proven track record of service and leadership makes him an invaluable asset to the department and the people it serves.
