New Chief of the Clinton Fire Department Announced

Mayor Phil Fisher has appointed Clinton native Jeff Blackledge as the new Chief of the Clinton Fire Department. Blackledge replaces former Chief Barry Burnside who resigned in July to accept a position at the Mississippi State Fire Academy. Blackledge is no stranger to CFD having served the Clinton Fire Department since 1994, most recently as Division Chief of Training and Safety since 2009.

Chief Blackledge is a 1980 graduate of Clinton High School and a 1984 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Accounting. Additionally, Chief Blackledge has over 2,000 hours of specialized firefighting and EMT training.

Chief Blackledge is married to Marilyn Mullins Blackledge. Jeff and Marilyn have one Daughter Beth Blackledge Denson (Scott) and two grandchildren Chase and Maci. Chief Blackledge is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton.

Chief Blackledge will be presented to the Board of Aldermen on September 6, 2016 for their approval.

“I am pleased to recommend Jeff Blackledge as our new Fire Chief for the City of Clinton. We interviewed four very qualified candidates and Jeff’s tactical and administrative talents stood out,” stated Mayor Phil Fisher. “Hiring a candidate from within the department speaks highly of our Fire Department and the leadership of former Chief Barry Burnside.”