As a former member of the Bryan County fire department and a committed member of this community, I have witnessed first-hand the effects of inadequate leadership. Our current fire chief has resigned and the two individuals under them have demonstrated their inability to lead and retain personnel efficiently. This inadequate leadership puts the safety of our community at risk. We have seen the department's morale decline and experienced an increased turnover rate. Despite having an exceptional team of firefighters ready to serve our communities, we've suffered due to the lack of effective leadership. It's time for Bryan County to act and ensure that our community gets the leadership it deserves.

I urge Bryan County to consider hiring the next fire chief from external candidates. It's not just about preserving an effective fire department; it's about ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. The potential benefits of bringing in an external candidate include a fresh perspective, new ideas, and the potential to improve department morale. We cannot afford to risk the safety of our community due to poor leadership.

The new fire chief must prioritize employee staffing and retention. We owe it to our community and to the dedicated firefighters putting their lives on the line for us every day, to have strong, innovative and compassionate leadership.

Affirm your commitment to the safety of Bryan County by signing this petition to urge the county to hire the next fire chief externally. Together, we can bring a much-needed change to our fire department and ensure a safer community for everybody.

Contact your local commissioners here.