New Fire Chief Gives Report

In one of his first official acts after taking over as chief of the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department, George Watkins appeared before city officials at their August 4 meeting to build a rapport and to report on the activities surrounding the department now under his command.

Watkins took over the reins as chief of the 16-member department on August 1, after outgoing chief Bert Simmons announced his retirement in late June.

The Apalachicola fire department is an all-volunteer company whose principal mission is to protect the lives and property of the residents of Apalachicola and to assist the surrounding communities when called upon.

By charter, City Commissioner Mitchell Bartley serves as the fire commissioner who oversees the department for the city, while the day-to-day operations along with incident command are under the direct supervision of Watkins.

According to Watkins, the command structure under him includes Assistant Fire Chief Fonda Davis, #1 Captain Ginger Creamer, and #2 Captain Albert Floyd.

In his report to the Board, Watkins told commissioners that during the month of July the fire department responded to 40 calls, seven of which were calls to setup for life flight, two were for vehicle accidents, along with two house fires, and twenty-nine first responder calls.

Watkins also told the commission that plans of the department included an auction and hat drive along with setting up a booth at the seafood festival to raise funds.

During Watkins report, local resident and Planning & Zoning member Sally Williamson asked the commission to write the county a letter showing the city’s support for the proposed increase in the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessment presently under consideration by the county commission.

The commission agreed, motioned, and passed unanimously to write and send the letter of support.

Watkins closed by announcing a retirement dinner for Simmons and informed the commission that he would report monthly the activities of the fire department, as he sought out and asked for a closer working relationship between the volunteers, city officials and the community.