Contact: Jim Collins
Phone:  (336) 373-2105

City Manager Names Acting Fire Chief

GREENSBORO, NC -- (June 6, 2008) – Greensboro City Manager Mitchell Johnson today named Deputy Chief David Spears acting fire chief following the retirement of Chief Johnny Teeters. The selection of Deputy Chief Spears follows an internal process which revealed several highly qualified candidates within the department. Johnson praised Spears for his excellent qualifications and ability to lead the Fire Department while a permanent chief is being selected.

Spears joined the Greensboro Fire Department in 1980, becoming a captain in 1986, battalion chief in 1993, assistant chief in 1996 and deputy chief since 2004. Spears served in a variety of areas within the department and was instrumental in helping the department achieve both the ISO 1 rating and current accreditation status.  

According to Johnson, it became apparent that selecting any one of the qualified applicants as acting chief might serve to provide an advantage to that person in the permanent selection process. Under the City’s anti-nepotism policy Deputy Chief Spears cannot be appointed to permanent fire chief because he has a relative who is employed in the fire department. Deputy City Manager Bob Morgan will be responsible for reviewing any personnel actions that might impact the relative of the acting chief.

Johnson expects the selection process for a permanent chief to take about six months.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.