The City of Douglas announced today the promotion of Captain Larry Wilson as fire chief of the Douglas Fire Department. Mayor Tony Paulk, the Douglas City Commission, and city manager met following the city commission meeting on Monday, October 10, and held discussions of the fire Chief position within the Douglas Fire Department, according to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon.
Other promotions within the fire department include Captain Casey Wright as the assistant fire chief.
“We welcome Larry to the management team of the City of Douglas,” said City Manager Terrell Jacobs. “Larry brings 29 years of fire service to the chief position, and we know he will help to lead the department to a brighter future.”
Wilson graduated from Coffee High School in 1985. In 1986, he enlisted with the National Guard for nine years. Chief Wilson served in the US Army as an E4 specialist combat engineer and served one tour during Desert Storm.
Wilson began his career as a firefighter with the City of Douglas Fire Department in 1987. In 1999, he was promoted to driver engineer and held responsibilities such as being responsible for the safe and efficient operation of firefighting apparatus in response to emergencies. During this time, Wilson presented public safety training classes and school programs and instructed others regarding fire safety, fire prevention, and firefighting strategies. He was later promoted to training officer where he directed, planned and coordinated training for the fire department.
In 2004, Wilson was promoted to lieutenant at the Coffee County Fire Department.While there, he directed and participated in activities of company level personnel on fire scenes and other emergencies.
Returning to the City of Douglas Fire Department, Wilson was promoted to fire captain in 2013.
When asked about his goals as fire chief, Wilson said, “My first objective is the protection of citizens and properties within the City of Douglas. My next objective is to make a big difference in this department. I want to have a greater role in building a stronger morale among existing and new firefighters. I have researched the process of what it takes to run a fire department and, throughout the years, I have been trained to meet the requirements as fire chief. When faced with criticism, as public servants must deal with, I will be the leader the men and women of this fire department deserve. I will work to earn their support in my endeavors to run this department which will make for a stronger foundation for the City of Douglas Fire Department.”