BLOUNT CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - After a recent upheaval of the the Blount County Fire Protection District, Tuesday ushered in a new era as the board named a new chief.

Jerry Philips is now general manager and chief of the Fire Protection District.

Previous Coverage: Blount County mayor appoints interim fire protection district commissioners after employees demand change

Philips was named an interim commissioner after the former chief and two commissioners abruptly resigned.

The resignations of Chief Doug McClanahan and the two commissioners came after multiple unnamed firefighters mailed a letter to Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell and the entirety of the Blount County Government demanding change in a letter outlining shortcomings and other issues in the department.

In the meeting Tuesda

See Full Page