It’s the end of an era for the LaFollette Fire Department. Come February, for the first time in almost 35 years, Charles Eldridge won’t be counted among the department’s ranks.
Eldridge will retire as LaFollette fire chief, with his last day being Jan. 31.
“It’s just time,” Eldridge said. “I’m 65 years old. I just, it’s just time for me to move on and let it go somewhere else.”
LaFollette Mayor Mike Stanfield said the city council would vote on Eldridge’s replacement at its next city council meeting in February.
“If we do what’s fair, we’ll move the assistant chief up to the fire chief,” Stanfield said. “That’s the way we usually do it.”
LaFollette Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Pack will serve as fire chief in the interim between Feb. 1 and the next LaFollette city council meeting, Stanfield said.
Stanfield praised Pack, calling him dedicated.