Athens-Clarke County taps Nate Moss as new fire chief

Athens-Clarke police announced Wednesday that a veteran firefighter in the department has been promoted to fire chief.

Nate Moss, who has served as interim fire chief since the retirement of former chief Jeff Scarbrough in October, is the new chief for the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Athens-Clarke County Manager Blaine Williams announced he had made the decision after conducting a national search for a new chief.

“His dedication to the department and the people who serve this community is extraordinary. I know he will be an invaluable asset to the Athens-Clarke County community,” Williams said in a statement released with the announcement.

Fire Chief: Athens-Clarke Fire Chief Jeff Scarbrough has retired after 10 years

Moss, who has served 20 years in the department, had previously served as Battalion Chief, managed public information and assisted with management and training among other duties.

Moss released a statement that becoming the fire chief is “the greatest professional honor of my career.”

“The greatest strength of our department is our people and I will strive every day to assure that with teamwork and collaboration we forge our identity as an outstanding fire department that offers unparalleled service to our community,” he said.

Moss grew up in Gwinnett County, where he graduated from American School, a high school home schooling program.

Moss, who joined the fire department in 2003, has served under three previous fire chiefs. He has worked on all three shifts, has an emergency medical technician license and is a training officer.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens-Clarke County promotes Nate Moss to fire chief