Partridge: Naming of new fire chief is mayor's call

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Nov. 2, 2003
Out-going Meridian Fire Chief H.C. "Bunky" Partridge says he has "very little" influence over who will be appointed as the next fire chief.
Partridge officially relinquished his duties as fire chief on Friday, and will now turn his attention to the city's training center and Department of Homeland Security.
He said the decision on who the city's next fire chief will be relies solely on Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith.
Partridge, who has been fire chief for 81⁄2 years, said the five candidates for the job are: Sammy Foy, deputy fire chief; Jeff Homan, fire marshal; Tim Miller, a battalion chief; Anthony Clayton, a battalion chief; and Tracy Tucker, an administrative battalion chief.
The mayor has interviewed all five candidates and all have served as acting chief for at least one week. The mayor's appointment must be confirmed by the Meridian City Council, which meets Tuesday at 9 a.m.