By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Longtime Paris and Paris Landing firefighter Jamie Hinson has been named Fire Chief for the city of Paris to replace the retiring Chief Michael Williams Sr. Williams has served 39 years with the Paris Fire Department.
The official announcement was made at Thursday night’s meeting of the Paris City Commission.
Hinson is a 12-year-veteran of the Paris Fire Department and has most recently served as Assistant Fire Chief since December of 2020. He has over 25 years of service in fire fighting and emergency services in the local community.
Hinson comes from a firefighting family and told RadioNWTN that he will continue working with the Paris Landing Volunteer Fire Department, too.
In making the announcement, City Manager Kim Foster said, “I can’t imagine anyone with a greater love for the firefighter profession or a bigger heart for service. Jamie is a natural leader and is well thought of by the entire fire department. I am looking forward to working with Jamie as he joins the Department Head team at the City.”
Hinson officially begins his career as Fire Chief on April 17, while Williams moves into an advisory role until his retirement at the end of June.
A retirement celebration honoring Michael’s 39 years of service with the Paris Fire Department will be planned for late June. A formal announcement will be released at a later date.
In other business at Thursday’s meeting:
–Foster observed that the presence of the red flags as a safety measure for downtown Paris has stirred conversation on social media which “has not always been positive”. But all the comments have brought more attention to the issues. “Whether you choose to use a flag or not, you know they are there and why.” Foster thanked those commenting for bringing more attention to the issues.
And she formally rebuked the rumors that have been circulating on social media: there is no $100 fine for not using the flags. “I’m not sure how that got stated, but it’s kind of silly,” she said.
Progress on the city’s grant projects to address the pedestian safety problems downtown are the same as was reported at last week’s public meeting on the issue.
–The commission approved an amendment to the Paris Special School District/City of Paris lease agreement for use of the Paris Elementary School and Civic Center. The agreement was put in place in 1998 and the document has been updated and extended.
–The commission amended the City of Paris personnel rules and regs to allow floating holidays for the Fish Fry Grand Parade holiday. The grand parade is always on Friday, which most non-first responder employees now have off since the city adopted a new work schedule.
–City of Paris personnel rules added updates to cover harassment/workplace violence.
–The commission approved first reading of an ordinance that would update mobile food service (food truck) provisions. The new ordinance would povide for a temporay pemit. A public hearing will be held before the second reading.
Photo: New Fire Chief Jamie Hinson, left, with Chief Michael Williams Sr. (Shannon McFarlin photo).