Hillsboro appoints interim fire chief

The administration of the city of Hillsboro has appointed a Hillsboro firefighter as the interim chief of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue. 

Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Richard Giroux said that Captain Jeff Martin was recently appointed to the post, following the retirement of Chief Jerry Powell, which was effective Monday.

"The City recently appointed Fire Captain Jeff Martin as Acting Fire Chief," Giroux told The Highland County Press. "This appointment is on a temporary basis, until such time as more permanent arrangements can be made to fill the Fire Chief position." 

According to Giroux, "Acting Chief Martin is the most senior of the department’s three Captains. He has been with the Hillsboro Fire Department since July 5, 1988 and has 24 years of service and experience. He was promoted to Captain in 2007. In addition to his duties as Acting Fire Chief, he will continue his supervisory responsibilities as Shift Commander.

"The City has every confidence in Acting Chief Martin in his abilities to provide effective leadership and continuity of operations," Giroux said. 

Martin told The Highland County Press that it was "an honor and a privilege" to receive the appointment. 

"Mayor Hastings and Safety and Service Director Giroux did offer me the position for acting fire chief while they look ahead to the near future to see where we're going down the highway," Martin said. "They chose me for my selective years of service, and I am proud to have the honor. It really has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community and our citizens in the area, and we will continue that service."