ELLISVILLE – The longtime fire chief for this Jones County town has submitted his resignation. Ellisville Fire Chief Ronnie McGilberry announced this week that he is retiring from the city of Ellisville.
McGilberry, who has been in firefighting for 32 years, has served as a member of the Ellisville Fire Department for 23 years. He served the past 11 years as the city’s fire chief.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” McGilberry told the board of aldermen. “I’ve prayed about it and I’m good with this decision.”
McGilberry, who is a native of Ellisville, said he plans to continue living in Ellisville. The longtime firefighter said he has enjoyed his job and he’s looking forward to the future.
The Ellisville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday night to accept McGilberry’s resignation which will become effective on July 22.
Ellisville Mayor Lynn Buckhaults told McGilberry that he “appreciates your years of service and we wish you the best.”
With little discussion, the board also agreed voted unanimously to hired Jensen Weekly as a full-time non-certified firefighter on a six-month probationary period at $25,065.54 annually.
Buckhaults said no decision has been made about the fire chief position.
“We will wait until his time is out and begin to look at it,” the mayor said. “Until a decision is made, the battalion chiefs and firefighters will just continue to do the work.”