“We are looking at an Aug. 9 projected start date,” said Jim Golden, who was hired as fire chief last week.
Golden said he is fulfilling his obligations with the city of Alabaster Fire & Rescue Service and the Alabama Fire College.
“I want to make sure the transition from Alabaster goes as seamlessly as possible,” he said.
Golden, who is originally from Pell City, said he is looking forward to returning to his hometown.
“I grew up here, and have family still in the area,” he said. “I have a vested interest in the job.”
Golden said he relocated to the Alabaster area in 2003, where he lives.
“I plan to move back within one year—hopefully sooner,” he said.
Golden said he has no immediate plans for the fire department.
“I plan to start and get acclimated,” he said. “I want to get in and educate myself in the department. From everything I know of the Pell City Fire Department, it is made up of a tremendous group of firefighters.”
Golden said while he knows a few of the firefighters, he doesn’t know very many of them on a personal basis.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know them personally and professionally,” he said.
Golden said he is also waiting to form a vision for the department until after he gets in and settled.
“Pell City has visionary leadership at the top,” he said. “It is a fast developing city. It is exciting to know where Pell City came from, and where it is going.”
Golden said the city’s future is very bright.
“I am looking forward to Pell City’s growth, and ensuring the fire department embraces that growth and grows with the city,” he said. “I want to ensure the fire department offers the highest quality services and make sure any changes are in the best interest of our residents first, and also our city and our employees.”
Mayor Bill Hereford said he is scheduled to meet with Golden this week to finalize the contract.
“The salary is not set yet,” he said. “There is a range of salaries he can qualify for.”
Hereford said he is pleased the city has a well-qualified fire chief.
“He absolutely has great credentials,” Hereford said. “We were very pleased with the interview we had with him, and we really like him.”
Hereford said Golden was hired based on his qualifications, education, and experience.
“A pleasant bonus is that he is from here,” Hereford said. “It had nothing to do with him being hired, but it is a bonus.”
Hereford said there wasn’t one particular thing that set Golden apart.
“We looked at him overall,” Hereford said. “To me, he really measured up as the guy with the leadership skills to make a very good department even better. We are expecting great things and great leadership, and are pleased we waited to hire the right candidate for the job.”
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