Civil Service Commission reviews Fire Chief, talks Arts District logistics

EL DORADO — A letter concerning an investigation into the El Dorado Fire Department and Chief Chad Mosby was the focus of the Civil Service Commission’s meeting on Thursday, June 22.

The Commission decided to remove portions of the letter that was submitted at its June 15 meeting in order to keep the letter’s focus on the review of the Fire Department and Chief Mosby.

It stated that the Chief had not received an infraction in the last five years of being at his post, and that morale was high among current employees of the department.

“We had interviews with several current and former firemen, and they all had nice things to say about the chief,” said Commissioner Scott Ellen.

The council decided to separate concerns for safety with the opening of the Murphy Arts District (MAD).

With the increase in traffic and visitors that MAD is expected to bring, the commissioners are wanting the city to consider the logistics of how services like patrolling, security in the downtown area and other emergency services may increase.

“We need to solve this before it is an issue for the city,” said Commissioner Toddy Pitard.

The commission also gave permanent residency exemptions to both Chief Mosby and Police Chief Billy White.

This gives both chiefs the right to live in their current residences out side of city limits. Chief White had been exempt in the past but the commission had never formally exempted Chief Mosby who lives in Norphlet.

Both the Fire and Police department will be holding retirement parties this week.

Captain Charlie Phillips’ retirement reception will be on Friday, June 30 at the El Dorado Police Department. He is the Captain of the Narcotics Division and will be greatly missed.

Assistant Chief Robert Rushing’s last shift will be today. A small reception will be held at the central fire station.

The retirement of Chief Rushing will be opening a spot in the El Dorado Fire Department.

There will be two vacancies in total.

“It will be filled closer to August when the fire academy starts,” said Chief Mosby.

There are three people currently on the fire department’s wait list and the chief says we will be making calls soon.

According to Chief White, with the new hires, there is no need to rush police testing, so the next testing will be mid-October as usual.

The next El Dorado Civil Service Commission will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 at the El Dorado Police Department.