Gadsden Fire Chief going to Etowah County 911 board
Gadsden Fire Chief Wil Reed Appointed Executive Director of Etowah County 911 Board
On September 18, the Etowah County 911 board of directors appointed Gadsden Fire Chief Wil Reed as its new executive director, following the retirement announcement of longtime director Bill Brodeur. Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford expressed his enthusiasm for Reed’s new role, highlighting his exceptional leadership during various emergencies, including severe weather and hazmat incidents. Reed also served as the interim director for the Gadsden-Etowah Emergency Management Agency, demonstrating his capability in managing crisis responses.
Reed’s appointment will take effect in October, with Brodeur assisting in the transition until the end of the year. In the coming days, an interim fire chief will be named as the city seeks to fill the vacancy in the fire department, a decision ultimately made by the Gadsden Civil Service Board. Reed ascended to the role of Gadsden Fire Chief in 2021 and has been pivotal in addressing staffing shortages within the fire department, which previously had over a dozen unfilled positions. Notably, the department has achieved full staffing levels this year for the first time in over a decade, necessitating a waiting list for firefighter recruits.
Reed, also a volunteer firefighter at Ballplay Bend Volunteer Fire Department, is expected to leverage his extensive experience in his new executive role, further benefiting emergency response initiatives in Etowah County.
Read the complete article here: https://gadsdenmessenger.com/gadsden-fire-chief-going-to-etowah-county-911-board/
