Battalion Chief Brian Massey has been named Interim Chief of Newton County Fire Services effective Feb. 9, according to a press release by Bryan Fazio, the county’s Public Information Officer.

Massey, who has been with the department since 1997, will lead the department until a permanent chief is hired. The position came open Feb. 6 when former chief Jeff Monroe abruptly resigned.

“I am confident that Brian will do a great job,” Newton County Manager Lloyd Kerr said in the release. “Interim Chief Massey has my full support.”

According to the release, the search for a full –time chief will begin promptly.

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