Yarbrough named Gainesville Fire Chief

GAINESVILLE - Sole finalist and Interim Gainesville Fire Chief Jerome Yarbrough got the official nod for the top job Monday from the Gainesville City Manager.

Kip Padgett named Jerome Yarbrough fire chief.

"I am confident Jerome will do an excellent job as chief. His experience and knowledge of the fire department and involvement in the community made him the ideal candidate," Padgett said.

Yarbrough has worked for the city for nearly 30 years.

"We are currently focusing on end of the year training requirements, transferring from paper to software and web based mobile technology. These updates will improve proficiency on the fire scene, fire prevention, and pre-fire plans," Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough, a member of several boards and associations, is expected to be officially sworn in as chief Tuesday at the Gainesville City Council meeting.