Edinburgh town officials are searching for a new fire chief again.
Current Chief John Henderson’s last day is Sunday and several people at Edinburgh Fire & Rescue are going to fill in until a new chief is hired, said Wade Watson, interim town manager and planning director.
Henderson has been chief since May 2021 and helped plan the new fire station under construction on County Road 900 North, which will give the firefighters accommodations better suited to 24/7 shifts. The $3.5 million dollar station is expected to be completed by spring 2023.
Henderson, an Edinburgh resident, has worked for Edinburgh’s fire department since 1993 and also spent 20 years with Franklin’s fire department, including three years as chief.
Henderson gave notice he was resigning to take a position with Johnson Memorial Health two weeks ago, Watson said. The Daily Journal reached out for a comment but didn’t hear from Henderson.
Though Henderson is the second chief in three years, Watson doesn’t think there is a retention problem at the fire department. That’s because all of the chiefs left for different reasons — one for retirement, one for health reasons and one to take another job, he said.
Town officials are now accepting applications for a new chief. Applications are due by Dec. 30.
According to the job posting: “The individual selected for this key role will lead a fire department of approximately 50 personnel with an annual budget of $1.3 million. Applicants should have extensive experience in fire service and management of personnel,” the posting says.
The new chief will also oversee the rest of the fire station construction and have the unique opportunity to outfit it to suit the department’s needs and their taste, Watson said.
The application process will include executive session interviews with town officials after the strongest applicants are chosen. The new chief will be introduced in a public meeting after the process plays out in the coming months.
