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UPDATED: Gray Appoints Interim Fire Chief

By Brenna Angel

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-956694.mp3

LEXINGTON, Ky. – There's a new person in charge of the Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray appointed Keith Jackson Wednesday to the position of interim fire chief. He replaces embattled fire chief Robert Hendricks, who was asked to resign because of management and budget problems.

Jackson is a 20-year veteran of Lexington Fire and was the Assistant Chief for Administration.

"We do well operationally," says Jackson. "We put out fires, we take care of people, we work well with each other within the station. But it's the collective aspect of trusting the leadership. So that's the thing we've identified and I plan on working on."

Jackson has worked as a paramedic, as a supervisor of the haz-mat team, and is currently a Battalion Commander in the Army Reserves.

Mayor Gray says Jackson's mission is to develop a solid business operating plan for the fire department to "examine the most efficient use of staff and resources to address weaknesses and to maximize strengths."

Hendricks, meanwhile, has not resigned and is on paid leave while the city's law department writes a case for dismissal to present to the Urban County Council.