RINGGOLD, Ga. — Charles Nichols assumed duties a month ago as the first full-time, paid Catoosa County fire chief.

He said he’s been meeting firefighters and residents while beginning an analysis of the department.

Mr. Nichols is a career firefighter, having served 28 years in the Chattanooga Fire Department and with other departments, too. He was assistant chief of the Tactical Services Division that included special operations with emergency medical services work.

He worked to obtain Homeland Security grants and to train the Hazardous Materials team for a regional response to a Homeland Security event.

Mr. Nichols is a native of Hixson, Tenn., and is familiar with the North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee areas.

He sat down with the Chattanooga Times Free Press last week to discuss his reception in Catoosa County and his impressions as he works to develop short and long-term plans for the department.

Q: What steps have been taken as you settle into this first-ever position in the department?

A: I’ve been here about one month and have met many firefighters in the county. I have been working to transition the department to a full-time chief.

I have been well received and have enjoyed meeting everyone while focusing on delivery of services to residents of Catoosa County. I have been welcomed to county organizations by many firefighters and the public.

The expressions of support from the pubic for the fire department are reassuring.

Q: What are the positive, pleasurable aspects you discovered in this department as you began an analysis?

A: It’s not surprising that, as in other fields, our people are the greatest assets, volunteers and full-time. It’s evident that dedication to providing the best service possible is a foundation to go forward with. I knew that was true as I came into this department.

Every situation is unique in the delivery of emergency services. Transitioning from a volunteer department to a mix of volunteers and full-time firefighters brings change. Change is never easy — anywhere.

I have found the department workers to be open minded and receptive to implementing new ideas.

Fire services have deep-rooted traditions, but pace and timing are critical parts of communicating information exchange and the willingness of our people to buy-in or accept change.

We’re still in the evaluation process, seeking to identify strengths and areas where greater improvement is possible. We need to know we’re on target in delivering services in a safe and efficient manner.

Q: Which areas of department duties and functions have you found that need more improvement than others?

A: The goal is to evaluate strengths and identify areas where improvement is needed. We need to prepare our personnel to respond to whatever circumstances they may be called on to deal with.

Our goal will be to have more emergency medical services training and more state certified EMTs. We need more training as first responders.

We will evaluate personnel, equipment and look at areas where there is a trend of current and future growth.

Q: Have you had sufficient time to develop a strategic plan for the department?

A: I am in the preliminary stage of working to develop a plan, but analysis takes time. We will need to assess strengths, needs and develop an action plan to improve. This will also include an equipment inventory.

I have been to training sessions with Post Volunteer and Fort Oglethorpe. I feel I have had a good reception and we have developed a dialogue.

Developing an action plan involves delivery of quality fire and emergency services now and into the future. This county is growing and that brings change. It takes time to build relationships, but relationships lead to partnerships and accomplishments.

I work with other agencies such as regional planning, building codes and enforcement. These agencies have valuable information on likely areas of future growth. That information can be valuable in planning locations for future fire stations.