The new fire chief for the City of Natchitoches was sworn in at the City Council meeting Monday night, Jan. 22. Clerk of Court David Stamey swore in Fire Chief John Wynn and John’s wife pinned the new badge on his uniform.

Former Fire Chief Crit Miller served the Natchitoches Fire Department for 32 years and 9 months. Four and a half of those were served as Fire Chief.

“We’ve had good leadership in the Fire Department over the years,” said Mayor Lee Posey. “We’ll continue to have it under John Wynn.”

Wynn thanked everyone in attendance for his swearing in ceremony, which included friends, family, fellow firefighters and EMT co-workers.

“It is such an honor to wear the City of Natchitoches Fire Department patch and this gold badge and to represent my community,” he said. “Throughout the years the fire service has seen many changes. Even though we go through changes, our mission remains the same: To protect and serve our community by providing professional, caring and safe services through fire suppression, prevention, rescue and other programs. There are many people that have supported me throughout my career and I’d like to thank them. I’d like to thank Mayor Lee Posey and the members of the City Council for entrusting me with this honored position. I’d also like to thank my wife Tonya, my son Josh and daughter Summer, who have put up with my crazy schedule, messed up vacations and missed school functions to drop things at a moment’s notice to answer calls, go to training and schools and other specialized events that go along with the job. I’d like to thank my parents for providing me with a good work ethic and a great foundation to start my life and chase after my goals and dreams. I’d like to thank my coworkers and past fire chiefs from the fire station, many friends in the community, and other fire departments that have shared many years of knowledge and wisdom through my career to guide me in my endeavors. Finally, Chief Miller, for being such a great mentor and giving us such a great example to follow. I have big shoes to fill and hope to do so with honor, integrity and selfless courage. My door is always open and thank you.”

The next agenda item involved a request by Mary Northcutt for an appeal of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to deny the request for a variance at 106 Martin Drive for the height restriction for an accessory structure (RV cover) and a variance of the 6-feet of the required 25-foot front yard setback. The Council unanimously voted to uphold the Commission’s decision.

Other agenda items included:

Ordinance declaring a certain building at 1404 Grace Avenue unsafe and recommending that same be demolished or put into repair to comply with the building code

Declare moveable property (16 self contained breathing apparatuses) to be surplus and coney property to the Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District No. 9

Execute Change Order No. 1 to the contract between the City and Regional Construction, LLC for the 2017 Street Rehabilitation Program

Enter into a contract with Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America for the Public Official Schedule Bond for the City

Amend and correct Ordinance No. 036 Of 2017 to correct address of certain building declared unsafe and recommended for demolition to 1320 Theophile Street

Ordinance providing for the incurring of debt and issuance of $12.5 million of sales tax bonds, series 2018, of the City