The City of Sylvester announced last week that Jack Colby would soon take over as fire chief for the Sylvester Fire Department. The Sylvester native has gained over thirty years of experience in the fire service, and he served as fire chief at MCLB Albany’s fire department for over a decade. Colby’s career as a firefighter began in the early ‘80s for the Sylvester Fire Department, and he worked at SFD until he was hired on at the base in 1990.
After 24 years serving in the Marine Corps Fire Service, Chief Colby will now bring his vast knowledge and experience back to the department where his career began. According to the new Sylvester chief,
“Even applying for the job, to me, was a soul searching decision of the heart. I truly think that I can make a difference. I’m looking forward to getting to know the firefighters and learning what their strengths and weaknesses are so we can strengthen those weaknesses and even enhance their strengths. I truly believe that we have a good core group of people who want to excel at their jobs.”
Though he retired from MCLB Albany just over a year ago, the chief says he feels like he still has a lot to offer. As Colby explains,
“It’s exciting. It’s extremely exciting for me to go back to the City of Sylvester. That’s where my heart really is. I loved working there… It’s just good fortune for me to be able to come back. I truly believe that it’s going to be rewarding and fun. I prayed to God to put me where he wanted me, and in my mind and my heart, God put me there for a reason, and I’ve got to fulfill that reason. “
Chief Colby plans to begin at SFD next Monday.