It may be impossible to separate Coppell Fire Chief Kevin Richardson from his legendary mustache. Long, bold and impossible to ignore, it has become as recognizable as the fire engines of the Coppell Fire Department.

Though first grown during No Shave November to support men’s health awareness, the mustache endured – much like the chief’s commitment to serving Coppell. 

When Richardson was a chemical engineering student at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, he was working at a power plant when unexpectedly assigned fire department liaison following a fire.

Little did he know, this assignment would put him on the path to eventually becoming the Coppell fire chief.  

After 35 years of service, 33 in Coppell, Richardson retired from the CFD on Friday. 

Richardson’s CFD role started as an entry-level firefighter and paramedic, eventually progressing to a firefighter engineer, captain and battalion chief prior to becoming the fire chief in 2006.

“When I went to work for the Coppell Fire Department in 2000, he was the first person I met,” Coppell High School health science teacher Gary Beyer said. “We were getting ready to do our physical assessment in the CHS parking lot. Since then, I have gotten to know him very well.” 

Beyond his rank, Richardson’s impact is most visible to his family, a driving force during his time in the fire department.   

“Kevin did not just choose a job in the fire service,” wife Karla Richardson said. “He answered the call to serve. A call that required courage.” 

Richardson’s family has numerous first responders, including one of his sons, Kyle, who is a captain in the Farmers Branch Fire Department.

“My dad did not spend 35 years building a resume. He spent 35 years building firefighters, leaders, trust and a culture built on leadership and brotherhood,” Kyle said, “You learn why dad is not home for dinner sometimes, but [firefighting] is not just a job, it is a way of life.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Richardson’s responsibilities evolved. He found leadership requires more than experience. It requires flexibility in the face of constant change. The demands of the job often forced him to make impromptu decisions in unpredictable circumstances.

“In anybody who is in a leadership role, the main thing is learning how to adapt,” Richardson said, “The world is changing and the fire department is more than fires. We are for all hazards.” 

Flexibility is not only present in Richardson as fire chief, but in their family’s home. Particularly in his wife, who consistently shows up not only for her family, but Richardson’s firefighter one. 

“No one serves 35 years alone,” Kyle said, “When he was building a department, she was building a home that sustained them. She spent hours decorating his office, the station foyers, HQ and everything else so that firefighters and their families could feel celebrated.”