Welcome to our new fire chief, Mr. Charles D. Yarbrough. He was hired after a contentious executive session, with Councilman Rusty Greene walking out because he wanted to hire from within the department. Ultimately, however, the session ended with a 3-2 vote to hire from the outside — a decision backed by Ethel Stewart, Roderick Smith and Gary Jefferson, who said it came down to the candidate who was the most qualified and most experienced. I tend to agree with their reasoning.

May I suggest to all city employees that, while you are operating on the taxpayers’ dime, you conduct yourselves accordingly and take care of the people’s business without any shouting matches, veiled threats or untoward conduct. You are there to stay above the fray, not to get upset when things don’t go your way and then take your ball and go home. No mas. I’m particularly impressed that, lately, it has not been business as usual down at City Hall. Council members are finally voting for what’s in the best interest of the people who elected them, regardless of who may not like it.

Put aside all of these party labels, foolish sound bites, nitpicking and partisan politics, and just do the right thing. Sometimes you just have to stand, even if that means you are standing by yourself. I’ve been doing this for over half a century, and I see no earthly reason to change now.

In closing, we only wish the new chief the best in hiring an assistant chief and getting to know the nuances of how CF&R operates in the City of Columbus, Mississippi, the Friendly City, as he helps keep us safe. May God continue to bless our fair city.

Larry Watson

Columbus