The City of Cleveland has appointed Brady “Bo” Medlock as Interim Fire Chief, effective August 1. He will oversee all duties and responsibilities of the department during the leadership transition, according to Cleveland City Manager Kevin Harris.
Medlock brings more than 10 years of fire service experience to the role. He currently serves as Captain of “B” Shift with the White County Fire Department and has also worked with the City of Cleveland Fire Department and Helen Fire Department.
He will serve as Cleveland’s first new fire chief in over thirty years, following the resignation of longtime chief Ricky Pruitt.
“The city council and I appreciate Bo’s willingness to accept this leadership role and provide stability for the fire department during this transition,” said Mayor Josh Turner. “Public safety is a high priority for the city and this decision reiterates our commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Eager to lead
Medlock began his fire service career in 2011 as a volunteer with the White County Fire Department and became active with the City of Cleveland Fire Department in 2014. He said he is eager to lead the department in his new role.
“It’s an absolute honor to step into this interim role and serve our community in a new capacity,” Medlock said. “I’m excited to lead such a dedicated, hardworking team, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation while continuing to prioritize safety, teamwork, and innovation. I strive to carry on the legacy that Chief Pruitt left behind.”
City officials said they are committed to a transparent and deliberate process to select a permanent fire chief. Details on qualifications and application procedures will be released closer to the opening of the application window.
The City thanked the community and fire department personnel for their continued dedication and support during the transition.
