Griffith promoted to ORFD battalion chief

Oak Ridge Fire Chief Darryl Kerley has promoted Marty Griffith to battalion chief.

A city press release said Griffith has more 14 years of experience in fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. He was one of five Oak Ridge Fire Department employees who sought the job, which was open due to a recent retirement.

“It was a difficult decision based on the amount of talent and experience within the Oak Ridge Fire Department,” Kerley said. “We have many outstanding leaders within our organization. Chief Griffith brings a wealth of diverse knowledge and technical experience to the department, which will be very beneficial to daily operations and to our community.”

The press release said Griffith has worked in public, private, municipal and volunteer organizations. He has served the Oak Ridge Fire Department as the department training officer for the Tennessee Commission on Fire Fighting.

Before he became an Oak Ridge resident, he served as a firefighter with the Blair Volunteer Fire Department and as a Maryville firefighter.

Griffith is a licensed paramedic and state-certified Fire Officer II. He is also licensed as a registered nurse in Tennessee and works part-time at the University of Tennessee Hospital Emergency Department.

The release said Griffith has attended many classes in fire suppression, firefighter rescue, and command and control of emergency incidents. He is now completing a two-week National Fire Academy class in “Chemistry for Hazardous Materials Response” and is working toward his Hazardous Materials Specialist Certification through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

Griffith’s appointment was effective Monday, Sept. 17. He will oversee the 24-hour shift operations of the four stations and emergency response staff members on C-Shift, the release said.