McComb’s new fire chief expects a lot more talk, but she’ll demand discussion of substance.
Jean Frye, McComb’s first female fire chief, arrived in town last month amid a political firestorm with a simple goal — to put out the fires by keeping department communications open.
Two selectmen who voted against her for the job questioned the city’s hiring method, and local firefighters formed a union shortly after the hire.
But Frye has said the political chatter hasn’t affected the reception she’s received personally .
“I’ve been welcomed to this city by these citizens,” she said. “They have come to my lunch table, to my dinner table, at meetings, in the mall, welcoming me.”
And, she added, that’s been no different among her fellow firefighters.
“All these guys here, they just want somebody to come in and treat them fairly, do what’s best for the department and look out for them,” she said, explaining that a firefighter’s union would not alter her role or actions as the chief. “I went around to all of the stations and talked to them, telling them I have an open-door policy.”
Of course, office time with the chief will be all business, not a social hour.
“It’s not just to come in the door and jawjack and hoop and holler,” she said. “But I can always find time to stop and ask ‘What can I do for you? I’m your chief. Talk to me. I’ll listen.’”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering Frye’s approach. The chief said she wants “to be the best chief McComb’s ever had.”
Frye said she hopes all the discussion will bring about a long-term goal of improving the department’s fire suppression rating from a 6 to a 4, which would reduce homeowners insurance rates. She said the department doesn’t have everything it needs to do that right now, but has an excellent resource in its employees.
“I can’t change anything in three weeks,” she said, smiling. “But I see this department moving into the 21st century.”
Her vision comes from extensive experience with the Jackson Fire Department. The 14-year veteran began her career there in 1993 as a recruit firefighter, advancing to positions as a relief driver operator, deputy fire marshal and arson investigator.
Frye said she remembers the turning point when her outlook on the importance of the job intensified. It came when a house fire in Jackson claimed the life of a woman and her child.
“It just wasn’t a job anymore,” she said. “It turned into something personal, and it didn’t take long either.”
Frye’s moves within the Jackson department provided experience both as a daily firefighter and in analyzing fire scenes. She said her work there has shaped her biggest priority now: keeping firefighters safe in their jobs.
Short term, she said, that’s her biggest focus.
“My main concern is I want them to come home,” Frye said.
As Frye discussed her new role and the safety of those who work for her, her eyes became steely.
“Some people believe that women can’t do a job in some areas that a man can, and we see how that’s worked out,” she said. “It’s good for the city. It gives other women ideas that they can step up to the plate also.”
