By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Mayor Jim Gray and the Urban County Council are ramping up their efforts to replace Lexington Fire Chief Robert Hendricks. The mayor says he is no longer waiting for the chief to tender his resignation. He's appointed Public Safety Commissioner Clay Mason to temporarily oversee day to day operations at the Division of Fire.
"My appointment of Clay is for a very short period of time. Then we will appoint an interim chief. At the same time we will enter a process for selecting a permanent chief."
Gray says he's confident the public will be adequately protected during the interim period.
"There is a structure in place, a command structure that's been present for some time and in that you have what's called redundancy, in management-speak. A command structure like this is a solid one and people can step into positions; the day to day activities continue seamlessly. That's what the public can expect."
In addition, the Urban County Council continues to pursue a motion of no confidence for Chief Hendricks. The panel will further discuss the move at Thursday night's Council meeting. Two public readings and another vote are required before the resolution is finally adopted.