Ewing named new FCPD assistant chief
Commissioners also proclaim March 29 as Larry Salmon Day in honor of the retired judge.
The Floyd County Commission confirmed on Tuesday the promotion of Maj. Tom Ewing to assistant chief of police.
The position has been vacant since Police Chief Mark Wallace was promoted to head the police department in December.
“Mark recommended him and I think he’s an excellent choice,” said County Manager Jamie McCord, who has hiring and firing authority. “I’ve known Tom for a while and he’s more than capable.”
A 31-year veteran of the force, Ewing was a founding member of the bomb squad and commanded all the department’s special operations — most recently the Rome-Floyd County SWAT.
Wallace said Capt. Chad Johnson would take over the SWAT and he would be testing for further promotions.
“It creates a domino effect for positions to be filled,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, the board approved a joint proclamation naming March 29 Larry Salmon Day in Rome and Floyd County.
The Rome City Commission is expected to sign off on the document Monday.
Salmon, a retired Superior Court judge, is being honored for his public service since 1966 as a local assistant solicitor, solicitor general, district attorney and judge.
Commissioners also awarded service pins to a number of long-time employees, beginning with Superior Court Administrator Phil Hart for 35 years.
Others on the list were: Steven Acker, district attorney’s office, Mike Studdard, police department, and Jeff Earwood, water department, 30 years; La Sonja Holcombe, IT department, Aleta McArthur, Juvenile Court, Lynn Salmon and Lynn Jefferson, tax appraisers office, 25 years; Dennis Robinson, public works, and Bernita Smith, 911, 20 years; and Nicholas Fortenberry, prison, and T Roberson, Magistrate Court, 15 years.
The board also approved
an amended lease agreement with property owner Ira Levy for the former Zartic plant being remodeled as the new Rome-Floyd County Recycling Center on Lavender Drive.
McCord said the county would take over the remaining 12,000 square feet for an additional $500 a month, plus the baler and conveyor built for the old facility on Watters Street.
Controlling the whole 37,000-square-foot building,
at $3,800 a month, contributed to savings of about $100,000 on the remodeling, McCord said.
“We modified the (request for proposals) and didn’t have to do separate electric, plumbing and sprinkler systems,” McCord explained.
The board awarded low-bidder Multi Craft Construction of Rome a $397,400 contract to complete the interior remodeling.