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Jasper City Council appoints Chris Upton as fire chief after interview and vote
Summary
After interviewing two internal candidates, the Jasper City Council voted to appoint Chris Upton as the city's next fire chief. The council held interviews, discussed qualifications, and then cast district-by-district votes that produced a majority for Upton.
The Jasper City Council voted to appoint Chris Upton as Jasper's next fire chief at its April 15 meeting, following interviews with two internal candidates.
Council members interviewed Eric Naramore and Chris Upton before voting by district. Councilwoman Ginny Short, Council members present, and Mayor Gary Cowan said all candidates were well qualified but cast their votes for Upton, producing a majority and final approval.
The interviews gave council members time to ask candidates about department challenges, retention and training, and leadership style. Captain Eric Naramore emphasized employee retention and expanded training as priorities, telling the council he wanted firefighters to receive more off-site training and more regular in-house practice to improve retention and capability. Chris Upton described long service with the department and said planning for growth ' including additional stations and personnel ' would be a major near-term challenge as the city grows. Upton also highlighted work to improve the department's ISO rating.
After the interviews, the council followed a district voting procedure. Several council members commented that both candidates were excellent choices; the council then cast votes by district and moved to approve the votes as presented. The motion to approve the appointment passed by voice vote. The clerk recorded the final approval with council members responding "yes."
The council thanked both candidates for applying and for their service. Mayor Gary Cowan and other council members praised the applicants' long service to the city and urged cooperation across departments going forward.
No employment start date, salary, or contract terms were specified in the meeting record.
Ending: The city clerk will record the appointment and handle any administrative steps needed to effect the change in leadership. The council did not set or announce an effective date during the meeting.
