During an executive session of the Altus City Council on Tuesday, July 17, a sea of people in blue uniforms waited to hear the name of the next Altus Fire Chief. In open session, Mayor David Webb said that a panel had interviewed an internal candidate. Webb announced Jerry Abbott was his recommendation for the new Fire Chief. The council unanimously approved Abbott.

With smiles all around, former Chief J.R. Wheeler, in his civvies, came to support Abbott and the department. Abbott said, “I’m looking forward to it.” Webb remarked that he appreciated Abbott’s enthusiasm. Later in his concluding remarks Webb said that the AFD shows its level of camaraderie in all their projects. In supporting one another, you provide leadership to the community.

In their concluding remarks, City Administrator, Elizabeth Gray, and the council members expressed their congratulations to Abbott, who has been the City Fire Marshal. Abbott, an AHS grad, had 20 years experience at the Frederick Fire Department before joining the Altus Fire Department.