Piney Fire Department recently named Scott Miser Jr. its new fire chief following Tim McDorman's retirement after 28 years of service.
The firefighters and board of directors hosted a retirement dinner earlier this week to honor McDorman and presented him with a commemorative engraved ax. McDorman said he was honored and surprised by the gift.
"I'm very confident in the person I picked to fill the position and what Scott is capable of," McDorman said. "For about three or four years we've worked side-by-side and I'm glad to leave the position with someone who knows what's going on."
McDorman is retiring from the position to pull RVs across the country. Even though he'll be traveling in his new job, he said Miser is free to reach out to him for help.
"I've passed on all the information and advice that I could give him," McDorman said.
Miser, a firefighter of 14 years, said he has been preparing in recent years to assume the role of fire chief, with McDorman acting as his mentor.
"I'm fortunate enough to have had Tim as a mentor. Over the years this position became something I wanted even more," Miser said.
Miser said he hopes to focus on public relations and recruitment in his new role. While the department is made up of all volunteer firefighters, Miser said he aims to maintain morale.
"I hope to be able to keep everyone happy and on the same page. I want to give everyone proper rewards for their work," he said.
Miser said he wishes McDorman well on his new opportunity to see the United States.
"I'm super happy for him; he poured his heart and soul into this for little money. When he gets tired of seeing the world I hope he knows he's always got a place back here to call home," Miser said.
A news release from the department said: "It is with great joy and sadness that the firefighters, board of directors and community, wish him the best on his new adventure. Everyone at the Piney Fire Department and the surrounding community knows his face and how dedicated he was to us all."
Local on 08/25/2018