Daily Journal Staff Reports
Franklin is looking for a new fire chief.
Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness and former Franklin Fire Chief John Henderson agreed Friday that Henderson would step down as head of the department and take a supervisory position as a lieutenant.
Henderson has been with the fire department for about 20 years and was appointed chief when McGuinness took office more than three years ago, McGuinness said.
The decision was mutual, McGuinness and Henderson said. Henderson has not had any disciplinary issues but wanted to have more time at home, they said.
“It’s just time for me to spend some time with my family,” Henderson said.
As chief, Henderson made a salary of about $63,000 and was in charge of supervising more than 40 firefighters, paramedics and EMTs in the department that serves and protects roughly 24,000 people, McGuinness said.
During the weekend, McGuinness went to Franklin’s fire departments to explain to crews the changes that are coming.
“I think it’s important they see and hear from me what’s going on,” he said.
For now, Deputy Chief Jim Reese will serve as interim chief until a full-time replacement is named. McGuinness would like to appoint a new chief within the next 30 to 45 days, he said.
“I’m not going to let it linger for an extended period of time,” McGuinness said.
