Yarbrough sworn in as G'ville Fire Chief

GAINESVILLE - Veteran Gainesville firefighter Jerome Yarbrough dropped the 'interim' from his title Tuesday night and was sworn in as Fire Chief before Mayor and City Council by City Manager Kip Padgett.

He was the sole finalist for the department's top job and a city employee for nearly 30 years.

Yarbrough thanked his God, his friends, his family,colleagues and city officials for the opportunity to lead the 'finest fire department in this nation.'

"I would like to thank the Chief before me who paved the way and got the Fire Department on track to where we are today," Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough said under him the department would focus on training requirements and technology upgrades to prepare the department for challenges ahead.

"With the threat of terrorism and unknown elements we are now faced with the fact that we must be ready for any circumstance," he said.

Yarbrough, a Gainesville native, is a member of several boards and associations including the Boys and Girls Club.