City of Oak Ridge Fire Chief Mack Bailey to Retire

City Manager Mark Watson announced today the retirement of Fire Chief Mack Bailey, age 59, of the City of Oak Ridge Fire Department. Chief Bailey’s retirement will become effective August 19, 2011.

Chief Bailey was appointed Oak Ridge Fire Chief in August 1991. Prior to coming to Oak Ridge, Bailey was employed by the Saint Andrews Public Service District in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as both Fire Chief and Manager. He was also employed as Fire Chief with the City of Greer, South Carolina, where he served for nine years; and with the Columbia, South Carolina Fire Department for two years.

Bailey has a B.S. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina.

During Bailey’s tenure, the City acquired the K-25 Fire Station from the U.S. Department of Energy, and renamed the facility Oak Ridge Fire Station 4. City Manager Watson stated: “The acquisition of Fire Station 4 was a major accomplishment for which Chief Bailey deserves a great deal of credit. The transition resulted in significant cost savings for both the federal government and Oak Ridge taxpayers. His leadership within the city organization will be missed, along with his quick wit and sincere dedication to the citizens of Oak Ridge.”

Chief Bailey leaves a department comprised of 74 employees with an operating budget of over seven million dollars. The City Manager has not yet indicated a process for the replacement for Chief Bailey.

News media contact: Diana Stanley (865) 425-3546 or dstanley@oakridgetn.gov.