The longtime Fire Chief for White County's City of Cleveland, Ricky Pruitt, is stepping down.
During an executive session meeting for the Cleveland City Council on Monday evening, councliors and Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner unanimously accepted Pruitt's letter of resignation, effective July 31, 2025.
Mayor Turner said Monday night, "As we honor his decision, we express our deep gratitude, deepest gratitude for his unwavering service, his steady hands in times of crisis and the legacy he leaves behind. Chief Pruitt will always be remembered, not just for the length of the service, but for the profound impact that he's had on our department and our community. The addition of many full time employees, the purchase of a new ladder truck and the near completion of a new four bay fire station are a few of the accomplishments under his direction."
Pruitt's career in Cleveland spanned for morethan 42 years, as began with the Cleveland Fire Department as an Assistant Fire Chief, serving in that capacity for 10 years before being appointed Fire Chief in 1992.
The Cleveland City Council, in response to the resignation, unanimously designated that Pruitt be recognized moving forward as Fire Chief Emeritus for the city. There was no word as of last publication on who would become Cleveland Fire Chief going forward. Mayor Turner reminded the attendees of the Cleveland City Council meeting that while the responsibility of day-to-day management of city departments falls under the supervision of Cleveland City Manager, the hiring and termination of city employees still falls under the jurisdiction of the city council and mayor.
