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Vol 20, No. 10 • March 2021
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Fired Up: Kelley’s proven service and commitment leads to new leadership post Chief Todd Welch “who trusted and believed in me to have his back and represent him as his assistant chief.” A native of Corinth, Kelley said he wasn’t one of those children who grew up dreaming of becoming a fireman. After living in Tupelo and working in a factory for two years, his brother suggested he apply for the Corinth Fire Department. “When I started training, at first I wondered what have I gotten myself into,” Kelley said. “Then the adrenaline kicked in. After training, I loved what I was doing.” During his career, Kelley said he had opportunities leave Corinth to advance his public service but “I’d rather do it in the town I’m from.” Today, nine months after leaving the life of 24-hour shifts where Kelley could rush out to fight fires or deal with car wrecks or other emergencies, he said he misses the shift work in the station. “I miss checking the truck and going out on calls,” he said, adding that he’s looking forward to the leadership role he will play. “This job lets me respond to the expectations of the guys in the firehouse.” Kelley is now working to develop his goals for Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 his new position that will POSTAL PATRON benefit the department as a whole and make
By Lucy Weber Chris Kelley has ridden a fire truck in the Corinth history books. A 22-and-a-half year veteran of the Corinth Fire Department, Kelley is now the deputy fire chief, the first African American in the position in the city, a distinction he is proud to hold. “I’m excited about what’s ahead.” Through the years, he worked as a firefighter responding to calls, rising to the rank of lieutenant before being promoted to be the city’s fire inspector last June. The promotion to deputy chief came the last week of February. “After so many years of service, you learn to carry yourself as a leader,” Kelley said. “When I joined the department, my ultimate goal was to excel and rise to the top. My goal was to become chief. This part of my service is part of history.” Kelley will demonstrate his many talents as deputy chief, which involves fire safety, public relations, administrative tasks, and working with schools among other duties. Kelley said he also plans to support Corinth firefighters and assist when needed at fires and other emergency scenes. Kelley expressed his thanks to Return
Chris Kelley
the department accountable to the community. “I work to make this job mine.
I want to make a big impact on the people under me so they can me in me what they see in them-
selves.” Since Corinth is such a family-oriented community, See KELLEY pg 4