By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – The City of Commerce will soon be looking for a new Fire Chief. Wayne Hines turned in his resignation last week to city officials, as he prepares to head into dangerous territory.
HINES: ...going to Iraq for contract firefighting.
Hines will be with the company Wackenhut, which places firefighters on military bases in Iraq, and cited a few reasons for making the decision to go.
HINES: My son is fixing to be 8 years old, and I'm trying to plan for his college. Also, looking at trying to invest myself for my future.
12 hour shifts, 84 hour work weeks, and 120 days on the job with 10 days back at home is the schedule that faces Hines for the next year, and he said it will be tough.
HINES: ...but between my son and wife, it's going to be tough. Tough to be gone.
Chief Hines was a large part of the preliminary design stages for the new Fire and Police Facilities in Commerce. Many hours went into seeing that project get on its feet, and leaves Hines a little sad he won't be able to see the whole process through to completion.
HINES: We've all put in alot of time for these facilities, so that will be tough. I'll get to see it though when I get back.
Police Chief Kerry Crews will be temporarily taking over the responsibilities of Fire Chief after Hines heads out for Iraq. A reception to say farewell to the Fire Chief will be held this Thursday from 4 to 7 at the Holiday Inn Express in Commerce.
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