Clayton News Daily

Photo by Heather Middleton

By Kathy Jefcoats

kjefcoats@news-daily.com

Longtime Clayton County firefighter, Jeff Hood, will be sworn in this afternoon as chief of the county's fire and emergency services department.

The pinning ceremony will be held at 4 p.m., at the Clayton County Board of Commissioners meeting room, located at 112 Smith St., in Jonesboro.

The ceremony is open to the public.

Hood had served as interim chief from Christmas Day until April 5, when the commission voted, unanimously, to make the title permanent.

He has been a Clayton firefighter since September 1978, and immediately immersed himself into additional training from the beginning, said Assistant Chief Landry Merkison.

He got his paramedic certification in 1981, and over the years, has served as paramedic sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and assistant chief of emergency operations.

The Hood family has lived in Clayton County since the late 1800s. Jeff Hood makes his home in Rex, with his wife of 29 years, Suzanne.

"I want to thank the board of commissioners for having faith in my abilities to provide leadership for what is, without a doubt, one of the greatest public safety agencies in the country," said Hood.

"I consider it an honor and a privilege to lead the 367 dedicated professionals, who selflessly serve the citizens of Clayton County with honor, courage and commitment," he added.