WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins is crossing two more titles off their must-hire list. It brings their list of leadership vacancies from five positions down to three.
The city is still looking to hire a permanent Human Resources Director, Finance Director and City Engineer.
But Monday night, the council appointed Albert Wright as Fire Chief. On Tuesday, Wright starts his first day on the job.
The department has been without a permanent leader for a year. They had a candidate lined up to start in May, but due to personal reasons, he decided not to take the job.
"Effective leadership does not look for seat fillers, we look for people that are going to be impactful," Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said.
Patrick says Wright had just as great accolades as the May candidate. She said Wright has made a lasting impact in Georgia.
He served as Fire Chief in Riverdale, the metro Atlanta city, since October 2020.
"He was a word-of-mouth find, his years of service in fire has more than prepared him to be here at the city of Warner Robins," Patrick said.
She says they've spent the last few months courting Wright and vetting his temperance for the role. She feels that with his experience and accolades, the best days are ahead for the department.
He has an extensive resume, including an army veteran and 35 years as a firefighter. He started his career in 1989 in Savannah. He also is a Chief Fire Officer, a designation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence.
Patrick Hopes his experience will ensure firefighters advance in the department for the right reasons.
"Making sure they're advancing based on merit. Merit and character. Chief Wright is huge on training, certifications, making sure that we are equipping our firemen with the tools that they need to succeed and setting a standard that's high and not accepting less than that," Patrick said.
She also hopes he will bring new ideas.
"We look forward to hearing where we can improve, what we can do better, where are we the best at — where do we need to get up to standard," Patrick said.
Councilman Clifford Holmes Jr. describes Wright as cool-headed and accomplished. He says when speaking with Wright, he was pleased to see how he cared for the city.
"The fire chief said I'll be here forever, until, unless you all run me off," Holmes said.
Holmes says dedicated employees are what the city is hiring. They saw that quality in their incoming City Administrator. Monday night, city leaders also announced James Drinkard is the final candidate for the role.
James Dodson has served as the Interim City Administrator since November 2022.
However, Patrick says there are two roles that have been harder to fill than the Fire Chief. Those are the Finance Director and City Engineer. Patrick says they need a Finance Director who specializes in municipal accounting.
"If you're listening and this applies to you, please, please, please, call us," Patrick said.