Charles “Chuck” Nichols, Jr., 49, began the job today, May 7, placing him in command of all fire services coordinated by Catoosa County government.

“I think the first priority is the professional and effective delivery of services,” he said. “That is number one priority for all members of the fire community. That will go unchanged during this transition period.

“In the short term there will be (some small) changes in the command staff of the fire department,” he said. “There will have to be adjustment in chain of command. You can’t have two chiefs. I will meet Chief (Chuck) Gass and work to define his new role in fire department…”

Nichols said initial steps will include meeting all the players; introduce himself and getting to know them.

“We are going to be looking at fire services, what resources are available and what capabilities are there,” he said. “Then we will start to work and partner with all emergency responders to formulate a strategic plan for the future operation of the fire department.”

Interim Chief Nichols was formerly associated with Signal Mountain serving as a captain and training officer, according to Catoosa County Manager Mike Helton.

Prior to that Nichols retired as assistant fire chief in the Chattanooga Fire Department tactical services division of the with 27.5 years of service, he said.

He said he is not being brought on board to get eliminate the volunteers.

“This community recognizes the services the volunteers provide,” he said. “We are looking to enhance the services that the volunteers provide. My desire is to do nothing that will disrupt the delivery of professional services.

“This transition will involve some change,” he said. “Change is always a challenge in fire services. It will be a situation where we have to work through the challenge.”

Helton said he also worked with Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue Service, Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department and Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department.

“Chief Nichols provides a unique blend of career and volunteer experience that will be of tremendous benefit to Catoosa County,” Helton said.

Chief Nichols comes from a strong training background that includes local fire department training, adjunct instructor roles with various institutions in Tennessee,” He has been involved with multiple Homeland security initiatives as well as grant management.

Helton added that he is also a paramedic with experience supervising a large emergency medical services division.

“As Catoosa County continue to grow and the demands for service increase, the citizens can be assured that the level of safety and fire protection provided us of utmost concern to the Board of Commissioners ad our personnel, Helton said. “ The county is striving to meet the challenges of modern emergency service delivery.”

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