Christopher James is a vote away from changing the title on his name badge, from Training Chief to Fire Chief, his number one priority, department moral.
“It's important that we take care of the firefighters and that focus is what turns the Fire Department around,” said James.
James is City Administrator Fred Russell’s recommendation to the full commission to take over as Fire Chief.
He’s was named Acting Chief back in October.
And James had to turn some commissioners around as he interviewed for the top job, some wanting an outsider after recent department troubles.
James got the administrator's recommendation; but it wasn't a slam dunk.
“Chris's experience Chris’s knowledge of the area, and stuff were the things that actually tip the scales in his favor but one other candidate was particularly good,” said Russell.
That was Glenn Jones, from Peoria, Arizona, who isn’t a fire chief but runs the towns Emergency Services Department, in his interview James said he would like to see EMA folded into the Fire Department, so could Jones be the man for that job.
“We were impressed with the gentleman from Arizona, hopefully I will have somewhat more in-depth conversation with him latter in the day,” said Russell.
Russell says he talked with Jones and Jones is open to continuing dialogue with the city.
“I think if the city wants to bring him in some capacity I think that would be great,” said Commissioner Bill Lockett who supports James.
Mayor Copenhaver though has all the say, the consolidation bill says he appoints the EMA Director but the Mayor is not against running it through the Fire Department or hiring Jones.
“I think that's a possibility, once again we're looking to bring on the best and brightest people to work for this government and you've got to be willing to change and update how you do business,” said Copenhaver.
“Through the commission if it decided that's how it should work, can I work with him for sure,” said James Speaking of Jones.
The full commission is scheduled to vote February 7th on the James recommendation, Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Bowles supports James, and so does Public Safety Committee Chairman Joe Jackson with Jones being an Assistant Chief slash EMA Director.
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