Luther Resident Kevin Boydston Retires as Nichols Hills Fire Chief

After 23 years of service to the Nichols Hills Fire Department, including a decade as chief, Luther native Kevin Boydston is officially hanging up his helmet this week. His retirement marks the end of almost 30 years in the fire service. The Nichols Hills Fire Department lauded Chief Boydston’s career, saying he provided steady leadership, high standards, and unwavering dedication to the community.

Boydston’s journey began in 1997 in his hometown as a volunteer firefighter fresh out of Luther High School. He also served with the Spencer Fire Department before joining Nichols Hills in 2002, where he quickly found himself surrounded by veteran firefighters.

“Most of the department members seemed old in the eyes of a 23-year-old,” Boydston recalled. “But I looked up to these guys because of all the knowledge and experience that each one held.”

Working 24-hour shifts in close quarters, he developed deep bonds with fellow firefighters who became a second family. “We still sit around the station telling old stories about funny things that happened on a call or around the station,” he said. “Being on shift with these guys was some of my best memories as a firefighter.”

His ascent through the ranks, from Firefighter to Driver/Operator, to Lieutenant, to Deputy Fire Chief, and finally to Fire Chief in 2015, came with increased responsibility and a commitment to modernizing and strengthening the department. 

Under Boydston’s leadership, the department expanded specialized roles and elevated its emergency medical care with advanced training and upgraded equipment. In 2021, the fire station added new office space and classrooms that now host statewide firefighter trainings. The fleet also grew to include a new engine and a ladder truck. Just last year, a four-story fire training tower was added, providing hands-on training opportunities. 

“These opportunities allow our firefighters and surrounding departments who we work with closely to train together and build relationships. Our medics are able to provide a better level of care during serious life-threatening situations to increase a patient’s survival rate. I know our crews have saved more lives than may have been lost since we have increased the level of service we provide,” Boydston said.

One of Boydston’s proudest achievements came in 2018, when the department’s ISO rating rose from Class 4 to Class 2—placing Nichols Hills just fractions of a point from a perfect score. This incredible accomplishment lowered insurance rates for residents.

But Boydston’s tenure was not without hardship. Among countless fire, EMS, and disaster responses, the most devastating moment was the unexpected death of Fire Chief Kevin Bryan in 2011.

“The department is never really prepared to handle situations like that,” Boydston said. 

He credits then–Deputy Chief Terry Hamilton for stabilizing operations during that painful time. In the years since, the department has strengthened succession planning, cross-trained personnel, and created detailed job manuals to prepare for unexpected transitions.

Boydston’s leadership style is frequently noted by those who served with him. 

“Chief Boydston will be remembered for his integrity, calm demeanor under pressure, and genuine compassion for both his crew and the residents he served,” said Todd Mays, who is Boydston’s successor and served as Deputy Fire Chief under Boydston. “He was a mentor to many, always willing to share his knowledge.”

City leadership also speaks highly of Boydston. 

“Chief Boydston has served Nichols Hills with a steadfast commitment to protecting our community,” said Shane Pate, City of Nichols Hills City Manager. “His leadership modernized the department, strengthened our emergency response capabilities, and ensured our residents received the highest level of care. Above all else, he led with integrity and heart. On behalf of the City of Nichols Hills, I want to thank Chief Boydston for his decades of service to our city. We wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.”

“Nichols Hills is a really special place to work,” said Boydston. “The support from citizens, city council, and city managers has been more than I could have ever asked for. It’s been an honor to serve the residents of Nichols Hills with some of the best people in the industry.”

Nichols Hills, tucked within the middle of Oklahoma City, covers just under three square miles and includes over 1,800 homes, around 200 businesses, three large churches, and one private school.

Boydston’s successor, Fire Chief Mays reflects on the legacy Boydston leaves behind and the responsibility of carrying it on.

“I would like to thank Chief Boydston for his friendship, guidance, and trust in appointing me to serve alongside him as Deputy Fire Chief,” Mays said. “As the next Fire Chief for the City of Nichols Hills, I plan to continue what Chief Boydston and the other chiefs before him have done and progressively move the department forward.”

The job of a firefighter involves immense personal sacrifice, from missed holidays and family events to sleepless nights. Boydston thanks his wife, Kelli, and their daughters Hannah, Carter, and Jasie for their unwavering support.

Nichols Hills Fire Department responds to approximately 800 calls each year, from structure fires and special rescues to emergency medical calls. Through every challenge, Boydston led with a simple standard: success is measured by safety, and everyone goes home. He praises his caring, driven firefighters for going above and beyond daily, and shares his advice with staff and future recruits. 

“Leave the department better than you found it. Continue to push yourself each day and become the best firefighter you can be, never let a day go by without learning something new, and always have a good attitude,” Boydston said. 

Whether he plans to spend time maybe doing a little fishing, spending time with his family, or cheering on the Luther Lions, Boydston also says he’ll be around more to help out at the station where it all began. “I’ll be coordinating with Luther Fire Chief Joe Figueroa on getting started soon.”