Tybee Fire Chief Terminated; City Appoints Interim Replacements
In a surprising turn of events, the Fire Chief of Tybee Island Fire Department (TIFD), Jeremy Kendrick, was terminated earlier this week. This decision has come as an unprecedented change in the city’s leadership, shaking up the preparation for Tybee Island’s public safety measures for the upcoming Orange Crush Weekend on Saturday. Kendrick had been serving as Fire Chief since November 2021.
Termination and Replacement of Fire Chief
A statement was released by Tybee’s interim city manager, Michelle Owens, following the termination. She stated that the city has appointed Greg Socks and Jason Waterfield as the interim replacements, both well-respected retired fire chiefs. They are employed by Emergency Management Solutions, Inc., with Socks in the capacity of President and Chief Executive Officer, and Waterfield serving as a Master Consultant.
Owens stated, “The City of Tybee Island has parted ways with Fire Chief Jeremy Kendrick, who was terminated from employment this week. We are confident that Chiefs Socks and Waterfield will provide excellent guidance during this transition.” She further added, “Our operations remain in the capable hands of our Captain and Lieutenants. Citizens can be assured that we are fully prepared for the busy season ahead.”
Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Decision
The sudden switch in the leadership of the fire department has given rise to many unanswered questions, especially considering Kendrick’s vital role in the preparation for the annual Orange Crush event. When asked for clarification on the sudden decision, the Tybee officials chose to remain tight-lipped, only stressing that they “could not comment on personnel issues.”
Post Termination Developments
The city has made swift efforts since the termination to cope with the significant change. In addition to the appointment of interim replacements, the city posted a job opening for a new “Fire Chief” on its website on the same day that Kendrick was let go. The job offers a starting annual salary of $122,270.
Kendrick has chosen to remain silent on the matter and declined to comment when approached for a statement. Meanwhile, Socks and Waterfield have taken on their new roles as interim fire chiefs, steering the TIFD while the city continues its search for a new fire chief.
