Jarred Martin said it’s only natural that the Florala City Council should appoint him chief of the city’s volunteer fire department. After all, he grew up going with his dad to fires.

Jarred was appointed Monday night to replace his father, Keith Martin, who is moving to Mississippi next month.

“Keith has done an exceptional job as the fire chief,” Mayor Robert Williamson said. “I guess you could say he has OCD when it comes to the department. He is on his p’s and q’s as to where everything goes, and he accounts for everything. We appreciate very much the job he’s done.”

Keith Martin’s resignation is effected the 28th of December. He has served as chief since 2004, and has been with the department since 1985.

“Jarred has done an exceptional job,” Williamson said.

Keith Martin said no one else currently in the fire department’s ranks has expressed an interest in the chief’s role.

Jarred Martin, who currently serves as a captain in the FFD, said his dad, mom and wife all serve on the fire department.

“Dad has served pretty much all my life,” he said. “I want to do the best job I can.”