In a significant development for the Knox County community, Rural Metro Fire has elevated Jeffrey Devlin to the position of Fire Chief, as officially announced on Wednesday. Jeff Devlin, a stalwart of the Rural Metro organization since 1990, has ascended through a wide range of roles from firefighter to paramedic, leading up to his last five years as Assistant Chief of Operations, according to a statement obtained by WVLT.
The new chief succeeds Jerry Harnish who retired in January after a notable tenure as fire chief since 2007. Devlin's extensive experience and education, which includes a master’s degree in emergency management from the University of Tennessee and an executive education from the National Fire Academy, prepared him for this advancement. He is also a recipient of the 2015 Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. "It is my honor to lead the men and women of our organization as we continue to serve the citizens of Knox County," Devlin told WATE in a recent interview.
As Knox County's fire service approaches its 50-year milestone, Chief Devlin is committed to not only upholding the tradition of excellence but also planning strategically for the region’s growth. With 17 stations and a service footprint covering almost a quarter million residents, the demands on Rural Metro Fire are substantial and constantly evolving. Chief Devlin aims to address the needs of communities such as the Ritta area in East Knox County, which presently requires a new fire station, as he mentioned in a recent discussion reported by KnoxTNToday.
The broader community will have the opportunity to engage with the new chief during a Meet-n-Greet event scheduled for July 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Farragut Community Center. Devlin’s personal ties to the area are reinforced by his family life and civic engagement; his wife, Dr. Joanne B. Devlin, is associated with the University of Tennessee’s Forensic Anthropology Center and is an accomplished ex-part-time firefighter herself, whereas his son Liam is a university student and athlete.
In addition to leading Rural Metro Fire, Chief Devlin is vying for the District 1 (North) seat on the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen, with the election slated for August 1.
