Battalion Fire Chief W. Killingsworth

A lifelong resident of the St. Louis metropolitan area, Mike Killingsworth has served the St. Louis Fire Department (STLFD) with distinction since December 3, 1991. With over 34 years of experience, Mike has developed a comprehensive background in firefighting tactics and emergency leadership, having served as a Firefighter, Captain, and Battalion Chief.

Currently serving as the Training Academy Chief Instructor, Mike is dedicated to the development of department personnel, having instituted essential driver/operator task booklets and probationary firefighter skills checklists. His administrative experience includes a tenure as Acting Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal (2025–2026), where he developed Emergency Operations Plans for major local venues such as Energizer Park, and modernized the department's commercial occupancy lock box program.

Throughout his career, Mike has been a strong advocate for public safety and leadership development. As the department's Public Education Officer (2012–2013), he served on the Fire Chief’s command staff, overseeing community risk reduction programs and securing vital grant funding. Beyond operations, he is a respected mentor, assisting fire departments nationwide as a subject matter expert for promotional exams and facilitating team-building initiatives, as well as assisting those within the department desiring to promote up the chain of command in preparation for the promotional process.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Columbia Southern University, along with Associate of Applied Science degrees in Fire Protection Technology and General Transfer Studies from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. He is a certified Fire Service Instructor 1 with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.

Mike and his wife Debbie are the proud parents of four daughters and two granddaughters. In his leisure time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and spending time in the outdoors-- especially in the fall.