Lexington Fire Dept. announces new fire chief

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — After months of searching for a replacement, the city of Lexington has named a new fire chief.

Doug Acred comes to the city from Henderson and says he looks forward to getting to know the area better.

“Right now, I am just getting to know the territory and the firefighters and just really getting my feet wet,” he said.

Though he might be new to Lexington, he is no stranger to fire service.

He previously served as a captain and trainer at the Henderson Fire Department for 17 years.

Acred said he is excited to start this new role because it’s something he has worked for his entire career.

He started working in fire service because he likes helping people and serving his community.

“I’ve been preparing for several years to try and move myself up to a position like this,” he said.

After several interviews with eight finalists, the Lexington Board of Aldermen decided Acred’s background best fit the needs of the city.

Lexington Mayor David Jowers said he was pleased with the board’s decision.

“I think he had the best background,” he said. “He has a good educational background, and not being from Lexington, he is moving, and that is one of the requirements, that he lives here.”

Jowers says in a city of only around 8,000 people, having three main fire stations is impressive.

He says the fire department already is doing a good job but that the new fire chief will help it continue to grow.

“We just want to build what has already been established in our city, and I think Chief Acred will fit the bill,” he said.

Chief Acred said he already is starting to work on a number of new projects, one of them being to lower the ISO rating.