Hattiesburg now has its first permanent fire chief since former chief Paul Presley retired in December.
Members of Hattiesburg City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve Canton native Sherrocko Stewart for the seat. Stewart, who will begin his new role June 18, was nominated Monday by Mayor Toby Barker during a news conference at Hattiesburg City Hall.
“After Chief Presley’s retirement in December, we began interviewing candidates for fire chief,” Barker said. “One name that came through that process was Sherrocko Stewart.
“He came in for an interview, and I was immediately impressed with his grasps and approach to leadership. It wasn’t simply leading in the moment that he talked about – it was helping others be the best versions of themselves, and I believe that’s what we need in our entire city.”
The position has been held by Interim Fire Chief Stephen Mooney since Presley’s retirement.
Stewart, who serves as station captain at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport Fire Department, has more than 20 years of fire service experience. That includes 13 years of service with the Mississippi Air National Guard, where he spent two military deployments as a flight medic.
Stewart spent 10 years with the Canton Fire Department, where he served as a lieutenant, and holds his Emergency Medical Technicians certification. He and his wife, Angela, have three children: Lyric, Leah and Langston.
“I’m excited about working for the city of Hattiesburg,” Stewart said. “I want to meet some of the other community leaders and establish a good relationship, and build and work in the community as a whole.
“My 21 years experience in the fire service and my 13 years experience in the military will help me be a great leader for the city, and help me lead this department to new heights. I’m excited to be here, and happy to be the next fire chief for the city of Hattiesburg.”
Barker also announced the Civil Service Commission has approved a six-month appointment of Lt. Danny Wade as assistant fire chief. Wade has 20 years of experience with the Hattiesburg Fire Department and has served with the U.S. Marines.
Council members also approved the creation of a Sixth Battalion Chief, who will oversee the business and budget side of the fire department. That position also will serve as the city’s liaison to the Mississippi State Rating Bureau, oversee the construction of Hattiesburg Fire Department Station 9 and supervise the rebuilding of the tornado-damaged Fire Station 2.
“Today is a great day for the Hattiesburg Fire Department,” Barker said. “Today is a great day for our individual firefighters, their families and their career goals.
“And today is especially a great day for the city of Hattiesburg, because endeavoring to be the premier city in the Gulf South takes many steps, and we took a big one today.”
