Mississippi Fire Fighter's Association

08/18/2026

07/08/2026

In our last installment of Meet the MFFA Executive Board – We introduce MFFA President Chief Mark Whiteside

It is an honor to introduce to you in his own words. My name is Chief Mark Whiteside, and I am privileged to serve my second term as President of the Mississippi Firefighters Association. It is a responsibility I carry with great pride, humility, and respect as I represent the firefighters of Mississippi.

I currently serve as Fire Chief for the City of New Albany Fire Department and continue to serve as a volunteer firefighter with North Haven Volunteer Fire Department in Union County. My fire service journey began in a junior firefighter program around 1980, and I officially joined North Haven Volunteer Fire Department in 1991. In 1993, I joined the New Albany Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and continued serving in that role until 2011, when I became a full-time firefighter. I was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2016 and was appointed Fire Chief in 2020.

Throughout my career, I have completed countless hours of training and earned numerous certifications through the Mississippi State Fire Academy. I proudly serve as an Adjunct Instructor with the Academy and hold the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association Level II certification. I also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Meridian Community College, where I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, along with certifications in Fire Protection Technology.

I became a member of the Mississippi Firefighters Association in 1993. In 2014, I was elected Northeast District Vice President before serving several years as Vice President at Large under President Chief John B. Pope III. In 2024, I was honored to be elected President of the Association, and in 2026, I was humbled to earn the trust of our membership for a second term.

Serving alongside our Executive Board has allowed me to witness the continued growth and progress of the Association. Together, we have strengthened the solidarity of Mississippi’s fire service while remaining committed to the values that unite us. Legislative advocacy continues to be one of our highest priorities as we work to secure better funding, safer working environments, and improved benefits for the firefighters and communities we serve.

One of my greatest goals is preparing the next generation of leaders to carry this organization forward. The future of the Mississippi Firefighters Association rests in the hands of an outstanding group of emerging leaders, and I have every confidence they will continue building upon the foundation we have established.

I am blessed with an incredibly supportive wife and five sons. Emergency services are a big part of our family’s life, and because so many of us serve as first responders, family gatherings always include plenty of fire service stories and conversations.

When I joined the Mississippi Firefighters Association in 1993, I honestly had very little understanding of what the organization did or how important it was to the firefighters of our state. I don’t want any member to ever feel that way. My commitment is to continue growing our Association while remaining transparent, accessible, and accountable to our membership. I want every firefighter to know they are part of something much bigger than themselves.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we have a voice. Together, we will continue moving the Mississippi Firefighters Association forward.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your President. It is truly an honor to represent such an exceptional group of firefighters.

Contact President Chief Mark Whiteside:
Email: [email protected]

07/07/2026

Meet the MFFA Executive Board – Vice President at Large, Fire Chief Robert Hutto

Chief Robert Hutto began his fire service career in 2008 as a volunteer firefighter before joining the Louisville Fire Department full-time in 2009. Throughout his career, he has served in every operational rank within the department, including Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Training Officer/Deputy Fire Chief, and was appointed Fire Chief in 2020.

Chief Hutto is committed to professional development and lifelong learning. He earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Waldorf University. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi Executive Fire Officer (MEFO) Program and remains dedicated to advancing the fire service through education, leadership, and service.

His involvement with the Mississippi Firefighters Association began long before joining the Executive Board, and in 2018 he was elected to represent the East Central District as Vice President. In 2024, he was elected by the membership to serve as Vice President at Large, where he works alongside the Executive Board to strengthen the Association, advocate for Mississippi firefighters, and support departments across the state.

Chief Hutto believes the fire service is built on integrity, service, and a commitment to those we are privileged to serve. Whether leading his department, supporting firefighters statewide, or mentoring the next generation of fire service leaders, he remains dedicated to ensuring the Mississippi Firefighters Association continues to grow and provide value to every member. Chief Hutto considers it a privilege to serve Mississippi’s firefighters and is committed to leading with integrity, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Outside of the fire service, Robert enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Casey, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three children: Robert Jr. (19), Racheal (17), and Samantha (14). In his spare time, he owns and operates Hutto Hill Services, a custom laser engraving business where he enjoys designing and creating personalized products ranging from awards and plaques to gifts, home décor, and other custom-engraved items.

Email Fire Chief Robert Hutto: [email protected]

07/06/2026

Meet the MFFA Executive Board – Secretary/Treasurer Jennifer Williams

For more than 25 years, Jennifer Williams has dedicated herself to serving Mississippi’s fire service through leadership, education, and unwavering commitment to volunteer firefighters. Her fire service journey began in 2000 with the Thorn Volunteer Fire Department before joining Southeast Chickasaw Fire Department in 2007. That same year, she was appointed Fire Chief, a position she proudly held until her retirement as Chief in 2025. Today, she continues serving her department as Captain, demonstrating that leadership doesn’t end with a title.

Jennifer has built an impressive foundation of education and professional development. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University and has earned numerous fire service certifications, including Firefighter 1001-Basic, Hazardous Materials Technician I, Volunteer Fire Officer I and II, Instructor I, and Mississippi Fire Chief Level I and Level II.

Her service extends well beyond her local department. Jennifer was elected Northeast Vice President of the Mississippi Firefighters Association, serving from 2012 to 2014, before being elected Secretary/Treasurer in 2014. For more than a decade, she has helped ensure the Association remains financially strong while supporting the mission of serving firefighters across Mississippi.

On the national level, Jennifer has represented Mississippi as the State Director to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) since 2016. She currently serves as Chair of the NVFC Conference Committee, is a member of the Communications and Homeland Security Committees, and represents the NVFC on the FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee, helping shape the future of emergency communications and public safety nationwide.

Away from the fire service, Jennifer and her husband, Heath, enjoy spending time with their family. They are proud parents to Alyssa, who will marry Troy this September, and proud grandparents to Paisley, who lovingly calls Jennifer “Chief.” Their home is also shared with two miniature Australian Shepherds, Chief and Spanner.

The Mississippi Firefighters Association is proud to have Jennifer Williams serving as Secretary/Treasurer, where her experience, dedication, and passion continue to strengthen our Association and the fire service throughout Mississippi.

Jennifer Williams
Secretary/Treasurer
Mississippi Firefighters Association

Email 📧: [email protected]

07/03/2026

Meet the MFFA Executive Board

Immediate Past President Chief John B. Pope, III

For more than 30 years, Chief John B. Pope, III has dedicated his life to the fire service, serving with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. Following in the footsteps of his father, Chief John B. Pope, Jr., he proudly chose to serve the same department where his father devoted more than 36 years of service. Since 2007, Chief Pope has served as Fire Chief of the Collins Fire Department, leading efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities, advance firefighter training, and uphold the highest standards of public service.

Chief Pope has been a proud member of the Mississippi Firefighters Association since 1996 and has devoted decades of leadership to the Association. He served an unprecedented six terms on the Executive Board, including 12 consecutive years as President from 2012 to 2024, making him the longest-serving President in MFFA history.

During his tenure as President, Chief Pope worked tirelessly to advance the interests of Mississippi firefighters. Under his leadership, the Association experienced significant growth in membership, strengthened its financial stability, and saw increased participation at its annual conferences. He championed numerous legislative initiatives, expanded the MFFA’s presence at both the State Capitol and the Nation’s Capitol, and cultivated stronger relationships with state and national leaders that continue to benefit Mississippi’s fire service today. Through his dedication and engagement with members across the state, he fostered greater unity among departments and helped position the Association for continued success.

In recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lasting impact, the membership honored Chief Pope at the 2026 Annual Conference by naming him President Emeritus, recognizing his continued service, leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the Association and its Executive Board.

A passionate advocate for firefighter education and leadership development, Chief Pope has instructed for both the LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute and the Mississippi State Fire Academy. He also serves as an Industrial Firefighter with Williams Fire & Hazard Control and as an instructor for its annual Xtreme Industrial Fire & Hazard Training School at Texas A&M. In addition, he teaches at specialized industrial firefighting programs throughout the United States and internationally, helping train and mentor firefighters to safely manage complex industrial emergencies.

Whether leading his hometown department, instructing firefighters around the world, or advocating for the fire service across Mississippi, Chief Pope’s legacy is defined by servant leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering dedication to improving the fire service. His commitment continues to inspire current and future generations of firefighters.

Chief Pope and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of three daughters: Bela, Blayne, and Blaire.

Email Chief John B. Pope, III at: [email protected]

07/02/2026

Meet Chief Johnny Bass – President, Professional Firefighters Association of Mississippi (PROFAM)

Chief Johnny Bass serves on the Mississippi Firefighters Association Executive Board as the representative for the Professional Firefighters Association of Mississippi (PROFAM).

A second-generation firefighter, Chief Bass began his fire service career in 1979 with the Jackson Fire Department. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2009 having attained the rank of District Chief.

Chief Bass has served as President of PROFAM for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Mississippi State Representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), representing the interests of professional firefighters while being part of an organization with more than 360,000 members across the nation.

Throughout his career, Chief Bass has been committed to developing the next generation of firefighters, serving as an instructor for both the National Fire Academy and the Mississippi State Fire Academy.

He is also a proud member of the Mississippi Firefighters Association and the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association, where he continues to advocate for the fire service and those who serve within it.

While his accomplishments in the fire service are many, Chief Bass will tell you that his greatest achievement is being “Poppa” to his five grandchildren. Just ask him about them—he’ll gladly tell you all about his grandkids!

For questions or assistance, Chief Bass can be reached at [email protected].