Recently hired Coweta County Interim Fire Chief Samuel “Chipper” Gardner introduced himself at the May 5 meeting of the Coweta County Commission.
The former Spalding County Fire Chief was hired as an interim replacement for retiring Fire Chief Johnny Teeters whose last day was April 30.
“I’d like to thank you for the opportunity,” Gardner said. “I’m thoroughly enjoying working with the (fire department staff).”
Gardner said his two priorities are serving the citizens of Coweta County and making sure every firefighter goes home safely at the end of their shift.
Gardner, who also served on the Spalding County Commission, moved into the interim position on May 1.
It was also on May 1 that the Coweta County Fire Department began operating EMS services in place of American Medical Response. Coweta for years has contracted for EMS services, but opted recently to bring those services in-house.
Teeters was hired from outside the county six years ago to serve as fire chief.
