The road for newly-appointed Morristown Fire Department Chief Brian Shepard has been long – more than 25 years – but it hasn’t exactly been winding.

The Morristown native began his career with the MFD in February of 1998 as a firefighter at Station No. 1 on Jackson Street.

His ascent to the head job has been orderly, earning promotions that include battalion chief, Fire Marshal, Deputy Chief and, as of Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting, Chief.

Shepard, who described himself as relieved and ready to get to work, offered thanks to the Mayor, City Council, and the city administration. He expressed gratitude to the chiefs that have come before him, including Rick Reynolds, Bill Honeycutt and Clark Taylor.

He also said he is proud to be the chief of his hometown fire department, the de

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