Crime & Safety

Mark Melvin Resigns As Oconee's Deputy Fire Chief

He's accepted a position as Fire Chief in Morgan County.

Oconee County Deputy Fire Chief Mark Melvin tendered a letter of resignation last week and accepted a chief's position in a neighboring county, The Oconee Enterprise reported on its website Friday. 

Melvin told the Morgan County Citizen he wants to bring strong leadership and stability to the Morgan County Fire Department, which has seen three chiefs come and go over the last three years.  His first day on the new job will be March 26, according to the article.

In an email to Patch, Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton said Melvin will be missed in Oconee.

Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He has been an asset to us over the past 2-1/2 years. When Mark was hired, he assumed the role of managing the day to day operations of the EMA (Emergency Management Agency) and First Responders."

Melvin also assisted in the management of the Fire Department when Thaxton was away.

Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Although we will miss Mark, we wish him the best in being the Fire Chief of Morgan County Fire Department," Thaxton wrote.

Applications to fill the vacancy in Oconee will be accepted through March 26, according to the Human Resources Department. An interview committee will then review the applications.  Between Melvin's last day and the time a new hire is selected, Thaxton said he and staff members Lara Crowe and Karla Hulsey will manage the EMA, First Responders, and Fire Department. 


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