Kathy Stewart, right, pins her son George "Tank" Stewart during the China Grove Town Council meeting on Tuesday after the latter was formally promoted to fire chief. - Chandler Inions

CHINA GROVE — There is a new man in charge of the China Grove Fire Department. At least it is official now anyways.

George “Tank” Stewart has been serving as the interim fire chief in China Grove since former chief Mike Zimmerman resigned last summer. As of Tuesday night, however, his promotion is certified.

China Grove Town Manager Franklin Gover announced Stewart’s promotion along with two other promotions within the ranks of the town’s fire department during the regularly-scheduled meeting at Town Hall.

In a Thursday phone call, Stewart said that his promotion to chief has been a “dream” adding that he

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