Joaquin elects officers for the coming year

The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department met Tuesday, Dec. 14 for their annual election of officers. Several big events noted for the department during year included the loss of Joaquin Fire Chief for 11 years, Perry Pugh, to COVID-19. As a result, Tuesday’s election saw the most changes in department leadership in quite a while. Elected as Fire Chief was Jeremy Boyett, a 30-year veteran of the department and former assistant chief to Pugh for 11 years. Elected as Assistant Chief was Rusty Wilson, and to the position of 2nd Assistant Chief, Michael Stephens. Athena Ezernack was elected Secretary/Treasurer, the first female member to hold an office in the department’s 49 year. history. Stephen Ewing was elected Training Officer. Elected as Fire Marshall was Jeremy Boyett, and as Assistant Fire Marshall, Nat Rogers. Other officers elected included Traffic Officer Tommy Boyett, Maintenance Officer Michael Bates, Chaplain Steve Cockrell, Safety Officer Steve Cockrell and Reporter Brock Pugh.