NEW FIRE CHIEF IN JACKSON TENNESSEE

JACKSON, Tn.- Today the city of Jackson celebrated the legacy of retired Fire Chief Darryl Samuels as well as the swearing in of fire Chief Don Friddle. the celebration was full of laughter and reflection as the city enters a new era of leadership. New Fire Chief Don Friddle looks forward to serving the community of Jackson.

“My job is simply to take care of our firefighters. and when we have firefighters that are taken care of, they have the equipment, they have the training and all the health-related needs met, then they can truly take care of the community the way that community deserves.”

Chief Friddle explains that being a firefighter is not an easy task and he plans to help his staff in any way he can.

“After doing this job for so long, you know, we see so many tragic events that the cumulative trauma actually will build up on the person and it will change that person over a period of time. my goal is to be able to provide resources where they can help to deal with those issues.”

39 News was also able to speak with retired fire chief Darryl Samuels as he reflects back on his career.

It has been a rewarding career. I think that everything that we do as public safety, specifically the fire department, we're public servants. We do for you what you can't do for yourself. That's what government is all about. Fire mitigation, public education, fire life, life services. That's what we're all about.

The retired fire chief goes on to say that he will still be busy within the community- but it just won’t be at 4:30 am.