The City of Jacksonville has announced the a longtime fire employee as the city's new fire chief.
Jacksonville native and seasoned firefighter Edward B. "Tee" Tallman III, who had been serving as battalion chief, replaces Jerry Hardison who left to become the chief of operations for the Winston Salem Fire Department, according to a press release from the city.
Tallman came to work with the Jacksonville Fire Department in 2000 as a firefighter and was promoted to driver operator in June 2004, company officer in 2012, platoon training officer in 2015 and battalion chief in March 2017.
In considering the position, City Manager Richard Woodruff and Director of Public Safety, Mike Yaniero asked firefighters what they wanted in a fire chief, according to the release.
"What we heard, was to have someone who would represent the firefighter's concerns, have a goal to stay with Jacksonville for the long term, and had enthusiasm for the position," Yaniero is quoted as saying in the release. "Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services has extraordinary firefighters who serve the community in an exemplary manner providing a high level of service for the City of Jacksonville. I am confident that Chief Tallman has the right combination of competencies and expertise to effectively lead Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services in its mission with compassion with these remarkable employees."
Woodruff is quoted in the release as saying they are confident Tallman will take Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services to new professional heights.
"Chief Tallman brings great energy and vision for the Fire and Emergency Services," Woodruff said.
Tallman will assume his new role as of Tuesday and will take the formal oath of office before the Jacksonville City Council on Nov. 19.
"My goal is to help develop the department from within and provide the highest level of services to our Citizens," Tallman is quoted as saying in the release. "I hope to use the firefighting concept of prioritize and execute in order to make this the most professional fire department it can be."
Tallman is married to Erin Tallman and they have one child, 13-year-old Lilly. His father Bryan Tallman, was a volunteer City of Jacksonville firefighter for 37 years, as was his grandfather Dick Tallman. His great-uncle Don Tallman was also a City of Jacksonville volunteer firefighter.
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