Tybee temporarily replaces fire chief position with two retired chiefs as interims

Only a few days before the unpermitted event on Tybee Island known as Orange Crush, fire chief Jeremy Kendrick was placed on administrative leave. Just a week later, he was "let go" according to Interim City Manager Michelle Owens.

City officials have yet to release details due to the dismissal being a "personnel issue."

Kendrick, a Georgia native and 28-year veteran of fire and emergency services, was appointed to the position in 2021. The previous fire chief, Matt Harrell resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.

Previous reporting: Days before Orange Crush, City of Tybee Island places fire chief on administrative leave

Tybee has posted a job listing for a new fire chief and in the meantime appointed Greg Socks and Jason Waterfield, two local retired fire chiefs, to the interim chief and assistant chief positions until a replacement for Kendrick has been found. According to Tybee Island's human resources director, the city had about 16 applicants as of Friday, May 3.

Owens said Socks and Waterfield have a combined 80 years of experience.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Tybee fire chief fired, replaced with two retired chiefs in the interim