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On Monday, Aug. 1, the Town of White Pine Board of Mayor and Alderman unanimously voted to appoint Derrick Layman as new Fire Chief effective immediately.

This came as Fire Chief Chad Cotter announced his resignation after 17 years of dedicated and exceptional service.

Layman previously served as lieutenant within the department and has been with White Pine Fire Department for 11 years.

Layman is certified as Fire Officer III and holds licensure as Advanced EMT and Fire Inspector with specialized training such as Tennessee Smoke Divers, Rope, Swiftwater, and Hazmat Technician. Layman is a graduate from Jefferson County High School and continued education to obtain an Associate’s of Applied Science degree in Fire Science from Walters State Community College followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from South College.

The city of White Pine congratulated Layman while also thanking Chief Chad Cotter for so many years of success through his leadership and dedication. As a testament to his love and commitment to WPFD, he will continue serving as a firefighter within the department.

Chief Layman can be reached via email at fire@whitepinetn.gov.