Alan Lewis was passed over in March to be the city’s next fire chief, but on Tuesday he got the next best thing.
The city council appointed Lewis assistant chief, effective Monday, during its regular meeting at the Municipal Complex, filling a position left vacant since 2022.
Chief Charles Yarbrough, who beat Lewis for the top job, told the council he selected Lewis from among four applicants for assistant chief. Lewis has served 20 years at the department, most recently as chief of training.
“He has proven himself,” Yarbrough told The Dispatch after the vote. “He’s somebody I can depend on and someone the department knows. … I thought it was important we do this right now …. Because we need to be working together to change the department. There’s a lot of good changes going on.”
Lewis and Yarbrough, former Starkville fire chief, were both finalists in March to replace the retiring Duane Hughes, who led Columbus Fire and Rescue for four years. Hughes previously served as assistant chief but did not recommend a replacement for that position during his tenure as chief.
Speaking to The Dispatch after the vote, Lewis said he aims to be an ear for the firefighters while also working to ensure Yarbrough’s vision for the CFR is implemented and executed.
“For the department, it’s a big deal to have someone work hand-in-hand with the chief,” Lewis said. “… It seems like it’s going to work out pretty well. I’ve got the institutional knowledge. He’s got the knowledge of years of experience as a chief. … It’s a big liaison position.”
Mayor Stephen Jones said Tuesday he is satisfied both with Lewis’ promotion to assistant chief and how quickly into Yarbrough’s tenure the hire came.
“Alan is a great person,” Jones said. “(Yarbrough) made the choice he thought would be best for the department and best for him. … I think it’s only going to be great for the city.”
Other business
In other business, the council:
■ approved lowering the minimum age to become a firefighter from 21 to 18;
■ hired two entry-level firefighters and rehired a police officer; and
■ appointed Ashlynd King and Kim Whitehead to the Tree Board.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
