Newbern aldermen vote on fate of fire chief
NEWBERN, Tenn. — For five hours, Chief Phillip Cottrell, City Recorder and Human Resources Manager Jason Roberts and Mayor Olen Parker were individually called to give testimony, most of which concerned a 4-page letter written by the mayor to the chief and Assistant Chief Trevor Cottrell one month ago.
Applause was heard from Newbern residents and volunteer firefighters as aldermen voted to keep Fire Chief Cottrell.
“I wrote him this letter with the intent that he would step down, but I felt like we would drive a conversation. I didn’t expect him to get up and walk away,” Mayor Parker said in the meeting.
Parker said he thought the two resigned until they asked for an appeal hearing.
“Everyone is very concerned about our fire department because everyone knows everyone on the department, and for a town this size we have, I feel, one of the finest fire departments in the state,” Alderman Robert Hart said.
In the end, the aldermen voted to suspend Chief Cottrell for 60 days and to then place him on a 6-month probation period. This was due to questions over how he handled his administrative duties.
“I think as far as our fire department and safety of citizens of Newbern, we’re safe because they do a good job. We have the equipment we need, so that’s not the issue. It’s administrative and filing the state reports,” Alderman John Flatt said.
Cottrell said until last month, he never knew there were issues.
“I don’t have anything in my file where they’ve even spoken to me or written me up or anything,” Cottrell said.
Cottrell’s attorney said he plans to review the board’s decision.
“We’re certainly glad Chief Cottrell is allowed to remain chief. We are disappointed with the suspension and probation period. We don’t feel that’s warranted or justified under the situation,” Michael Weinman, Cottrell’s attorney, said.
Board members said they hope to work with Cottrell to help him on the administrative side.
