Rural Metro appoints new Fire Chief

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Rural Metro Fire has announced that its new Fire Chief has been promoted from within the department.

On Wednesday, Rural Metro shared that Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Devlin has been promoted to the permanent position of Fire Chief. Devlin has been with Rural Metro since 1990 and has served in every position from firefighter to paramedic. He has served in his most recent role as Assistant Chief of Operations for the last five years.

“Rural Metro Fire has an over 45-year history of excellence in serving Knox County. My intention is we will be Knox County’s Fire Department for 45 more,” Devlin said. “It is my honor to lead the men and women of our organization as we continue to serve the citizens of Knox County.”

Devlin is stepping into the role after former Chief Jerry Harnish retired at the beginning of the month after serving as fire chief since 2007. Harnish went on to become the director of operations for American Medical Response in Knox County.

Rural Metro will be holding a “Meet-n-Greet” with Devlin on Monday, July 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Farragut Community Center that is located at 239 Jamestowne Boulevard.

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