On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Wellington City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting. This was the first meeting of the body since the appointment of new mayor Jack Clark. One event that came along with Clark’s appointment was the sudden resignation of the city’s previous Fire Chief.

As such, the major item of the meeting that nearly packed city hall was the appointment of an interim fire chief while the council searches for a full-time replacement. George Anderson, a 25-year member of the city’s fire department, took on this responsibility.

After being sworn in as Chief, Anderson immediately tackled recruiting boundaries for the city’s fire department. As Mayor Clark put it,” You’re jumping right into the fire.” Chief Anderson wanted to expand the department’s recruiting boundaries by seven miles.

Anderson also explained that the Wellington Fire Department has been viewed as a training ground for other departments. By expanding the recruiting area, it would increase the number of volunteers who would be eligible for service with the department.

Another action taken by Chief Anderson was the implementation of a reserve firefighter program. He explained that this move would help bolster the city’s firefighting resources, and help to respond to mainly daytime calls.

Mayor Clark spoke in favor of this, explaining how beneficial it would be for the fire departments of Carbon County to have an understanding of each of their areas. He also spoke on the importance of the departments being able to understand each other’s equipment in case of emergency.

Both of these measures were passed by the council.

Speaking to Castle Country Radio, Chief Anderson described what he was most excited about with the new position,” It’s the changes that I can help enact. Like this Reserve program, getting that up and rolling as well as some of the other things we’ve discussed.”

He also discussed what it was like looking across the packed meeting room and seeing fellow firefighters and family as he was sworn in. “It means the world to me … It was a great deal of support.”

And finally, we asked Anderson what it meant to him to be selected for this position,” It’s a great privilege. I’ve been doing this here in Wellington for 25 years. To be asked to step up. I mean even though it is only for a short time, it means the world to me to be able to serve the community in this capacity.”