ELLISVILLE – John Polson is the city of Ellisville’s new fire chief.
This Jones County town’s newest leader brings more than four decades of firefighting experience to the position.
Polson, who has been in firefighting for approximately 45 years, has served as a member of the Ellisville Fire Department for more than 20 years. Now, he is the city’s new fire chief. Former Ellisville Fire Chief Ronnie McGilberry retired effective July 22.
The longtime firefighter, who lives in Laurel, began his career on October 1, 1974, and has been working in the field at various departments ever since.
Polson retired from the Laurel Fire Department on March 5, 1995. However, he didn’t quit firefighting. He began working with the Bay Springs Volunteer Fire Department and doing some work with the Laurel City School’s maintenance department.
Then, on March 5, 1998, Polson began working with Ellisville Fire Department and has worked with the agency on a full-time basis for about 22–and-a-half years.
A little over four years ago, Polson became a battalion chief with the Ellisville department.
Buckhaults announced this month that Polson would be the fire chief and he was sworn into the new position by City Clerk Charma Cook.
Polson said he is excited about his new position and looks forward to serving.
“I am just happy to be here,” he said, adding that he grew up visiting relatives in Ellisville and has always loved the area. “I like just being able to protect and serve the people. I just enjoy doing my duty and doing my best."