Originally from Seattle, Washington, Linette Hutchison never dreamed she would one day be Fire Chief of the Harlan City Fire Department.  She arrived in Harlan County over 30 years ago.  She became a volunteer firefighter in 1984 while living in the community of Bledsoe, Kentucky, when she and other members of the community established the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department.  In 1988, she became a certified EMT to help those who were injuried at emergency scenes, and in 1989 became a CPR instructor.  Ms. Hutchison joined the Harlan Fire Department in 1990 as a volunteer after moving back to the City of Harlan.  She became an EMT instructor in 1991 and in 1993 became a Level II fire service instructor.  In 1994, she began work at the City of Harlan as the Mayor's assistant, managing the budget and assisting the City Clerk, while remaining a volunteer with the fire department.

On February 14, 2000, following the death of Chief William H. Simms in 1999, Linette Hutchison was appointed, and began employment as, Chief of the Harlan City Fire Department by Mayor Daniel E. Howard.  Since that time Chief Hutchison has worked to expand and improve the fire department.  (to be continued) .

August 1, 2022 Chief Hutchison retired, Chief we all miss you and Thank You for the 22 years of service to the City of Harlan and to Harlan County.

August 1, 2022, James Billings a native of Harlan his whole life was named acting chief of the department.