Fire Chief Daryl Blair To Retire Effective Next Week

Cookeville Fire Chief Daryl Blair has sent his notice of intent to retire effective next Friday.

City Manager James Mills said that Cookeville will miss Blair’s dedication and knowledge having served as chief since 2017.

“I have valued his friendship while working together, appreciate his sense of humor and am grateful for his dedication to the department, our citizens, and entire City staff,” Mills said. “His leadership of the CFD during the aftermath of the March 2020 tornado was exemplary.”

Mills said that he understands Blair’s desire to retire, and commended him on a job well done in a certainly difficult field.

Blair said after dedicating his career to the service of fighting fires, he’s ready to move on.

“I realized recently while holding my new granddaughter and working on my farm that I’m ready to pass the baton,” Blair said. “I truly appreciate the opportunities provided by and my time at the city.”

Blair began his career with the Cookeville Fire Department in December of 1987, and is ending his career as Chief.

As Mills begins the process of hiring a new chief, Blair said he feels confident the next Chief will have a strong base of professional firefighters. Mills will most likely name an interim chief from within the department, but will work with MTAS to conduct the official hiring process for the new chief.