County names interim fire marshal

David Kidder, a lieutenant in the Gregg County Sheriff 's Department Airport Division, has been named interim Gregg County fire marshal.

Kidder replaces Chad Walls, who held the position for about a year. Walls is taking a similar job with the city of White Oak.

"David (Kidder) has all the certification for fire marshal," County Judge Bill Stoudt said. "He can fill the position in the interim, giving us an opportunity to decided on a permanent replacement."

Kidder will receive $1,5000 additional salary immediately and another $1,500 increase is in next year's budget, Sheriff Maxey Cerliano noted.

"The airport deputies are on a three-year pay plan that will bring them to the existing level in the department," Cerliano said. "We'll expedite the first $1,500."

When a permanent replacement is found, Cerliano said, Kidder's salary will return to the salary level of other airport deputies.

Cerliano stressed this move is "interim and will not create an issue with (security) coverage at the airport."

Cerliano said a replacement deputy will be assigned to the airport.

Fred Salyer, the county's 9-11 coordinator and emergency management coordinator, will continue in the capacity as liaison with 9-1-1 first responders.

"We're beefing up the fire marshal's office," Stoudt said. "Chad just couldn't turn down the offer from White Oak."

During his year as Gregg County fire marshal, Wall investigated over 80 fires believed to be criminally-related and over 60 business inspections.