Johnson City Fire Chief Jim Stables is leaving the department he’s commanded since mid-2017.
A city news release says an administrative district chief, David Bell, will take over as interim chief Friday, though Stables’ resignation isn’t effective until Jan. 1.
Stables, according to information obtained by News Channel 11, is headed to Boynton Beach, Fla. to become chief there. The release quotes him as saying, “I’ve been presented an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up, one that will further my career and serve my family well. But Johnson City will remain an important part of our lives.”
“During his tenure, Chief Stables has led tremendous improvements to the Johnson City Fire Department,” City Manager Pete Peterson said in the release. “Through educational opportunities, increased training, and restructuring, he brought stability and direction to the department that will serve us well for years to come. We are grateful for his service and wish him much success.”