Collinsville's quest for a Fire Chief is still on following the sudden resignation of newly hired Fire Chief Eric Hall. Hall was sworn in at the Dec. 12 City Council meeting and was expected to start his new position on Dec. 27. Acting City Manager Scott Williams said Hall contacted him on Dec. 23 to say he would not be taking the job.
"Citing family reasons, he contacted me and explained that he would not be able to begin his employment," Williams said. "He didn't explain his reasons beyond family issues and I didn't pry."
Hall, 38, is a Belleville native who served with the Des Peres (Mo.) Fire Department for 14 years. He began his career as a firefighter with the Northwest St. Clair County Fire Protection District and then served as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis for two years.
Williams said Assistant Fire Chief Jim Anderson will continue in the role as Acting Fire Chief until a new fire chief can be hired. He said he is currently in the process of interviewing new candidates.
— Ramona C. Sanders
*This story was edited to correct a misspelling of Jim Anderson's last name.
