McKenzie’s Gaskins is New County Fire Chief

HUNTINGDON (January 7) — McKenzie’s Jonathan Gaskins has been named Chief of the Carroll County Rural Fire Department. Following today’s interviews conducted by the Carroll County Rural Fire Committee, Gaskins was selected to lead the county’s fire service.

Thirteen individuals applied for the positions before interview selects were narrowed to six and then five following an individual removing his name for consideration. The five who interviewed other than Mr. Gaskins were John Fordon of Carroll County, Aidan Dixon of Carroll County, Eric Dale Allen of New Johnsonville and Scott Cooper of Maryville.

After much discussion following interviews, Gaskins and Dixon were the top two candidates. Experience and future vision played a large factor in the committee’s decision. Members of the committee discussed the strengths and weaknesses of both candidates from the interview. Through a roll-call vote, Gaskins came out ahead 3-2. Jimmy Halford, Lana Suite and Philip Moore voted in favor of Gaskins. Dan Wilman and Jimmy McClure voted in favor of Dixon.

The hiring of Gaskins as chief is not official. While he has been recommended or will be nominated as the chief by Mayor Joseph Butler, the full County Commission must ratify the nomination. That vote takes place Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Carroll County Complex.

More information will be made available in the print edition of The McKenzie Banner on January 14, 2025.