Fire Chief Joel Atkinson has announced his retirement effective May 31, 2024.
Chief Atkinson has been with the Clinton Fire Department for the past 35 years. Chief Atkinson has served as Fire Chief since 2019, and served as Battalion Chief from 2008 to 2019. Chief Atkinson was Clinton’s 11th Fire Chief.
Chief Atkinson has helped lead the community through many emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, led the effort to increase staffing levels through the Federal SAFER Grant (adding 6 new firefighters), and helped develop innovative programs like the Behavioral Health Response Unit, Community Assistance Response Team, and Alternative Response Team.
“I would especially like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Fire Chief for the past 4 ½ years. Together we made great strides in changing the culture in the Clinton Fire Department,” Chief Atkinson said.
“Chief Joel Atkinson is a dedicated public servant who has helped our community both in times of crisis and in times of celebration. He always led by example, cared deeply for all the firefighters and was driven to increase training opportunities with a new training facility, updated all three fire stations and was focused on continuous improvements for the firefighters, equipment, and training, ensuring the best response was provided for all our citizens. I thank him for his commitment to our community and wish him the best as he heads into retirement,” City Administrator Matt Brooke said.
Applications will be accepted from February 1, 2024 through March 1, 2024. An Assessment Center and Civil Service Commission interviews are planned for Thursday, March 21, 2024, with the intent to swear in a new Fire Chief at the May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting.
