Brazil Times: Local News: Bennett named new Fire Chief (01/05/12)

While his family looked on, Jake Bennett (left) was sworn in by Mayor Brian Wyndham (right) as Brazil's Fire Chief Thursday night. Bennett has been with the fire department for over 17 years. [Order this photo]

Only in office for a few days, Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham made one of his first decisions Thursday night when he appointed a new fire chief for the City of Brazil.

Lifelong Clay County resident Jake Bennett was sworn in by Wyndham to the position of Fire Chief.

Bennett, who graduated from Northview in 1993, has been with the department for a little more than 17 years.

"I've been with the department 17-and-a-half years," Bennett said. "I started as just a regular firefighter and moved up to assistant chief. I was assistant chief for three-and-a-half years and then I had this opportunity and Brian presented it to me, and I thought it would be the thing to do."

During the ceremony, The City Hall Chambers was crowded with spectators, which included Bennett's family.

"I've been married for 10 years," Bennett said. "I've got a 7-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy, and they both go to school here in the city."

Bennett said he is comfortable with the team he has in place.

"I've got a good group of guys down there in the department," Bennett said. "They're pretty dedicated and the officers that I've chosen, that's the kind of team I need to support me and do this job for the citizens as best as I can, and provide safety.

"I want to get them the tools and the training they need to do the job."

The fire department's captains and assistant chiefs were also sworn in Thursday night.

Those also swore in included, assistant chiefs Robert Joe Bennett and Tobey Archer, as well as captains Roy S. Kellar, Robert Bell and William Moon.

Good Luck Jake and congrats!

-- Posted by driverdude on Fri, Jan 6, 2012, at 5:44 PM

Jake will do fine. Good choice! Now, let's get those grants written for equipment and these firemen trained. It's been too long!

-- Posted by My Dime on Fri, Jan 6, 2012, at 7:02 PM

Good luck Jake, you will be a good chief.

Thank you Jim Smith for your good work as chief.

God bless you both.

-- Posted by Tracy Jones on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 6:54 PM

Jim Smith was the best thing for that department and its relationship with the other 10 departments in the county. He actually used the resources he had at his disposal to effectively protect the citizens of Brazil. I fear for the citizens of this fine town because of the pride of a few there at the corner of 59 and Jackson. Good luck!

-- Posted by WhateversClever on Tue, Jan 10, 2012, at 1:14 PM

It's hard to protect Brazil citizens when you spend all your time in Posey Township.

-- Posted by ignoranceisbliss72 on Wed, Jan 11, 2012, at 2:42 PM

Hello there not paid to be there 7 days a week what they do on there off time is there business, Just saying

-- Posted by kd323 on Thu, Jan 12, 2012, at 1:07 PM