It's down to 5 for county fire chief

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June 23, 2008

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Mon Jun 23, 2008, 11:54 AM EDT

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com

The county commission has narrowed the field to five in the search for a new county fire chief/public safety director.

At Tuesday's commission meeting, commissioners, on the suggestion of chairman Douglas Udell, each recommended one candidate from the field of 16 move forward and be interviewed.

The finalists are Wendy Sue Cason, Charlie Leonard Conner, David Lawrence Knowles, Philip D. Oxendine and Kenneth Ray Willis.

Scott Racow, who currently holds the post of county fire chief/public safety director, tendered his resignation several weeks ago but agreed to stay on until a replacement could be named.

Wendy Sue Cason, of Lake City, has a background in the emergency medical field, with more than 20 years' experience in that field. She is a state certified firefighter and paramedic.

Charlie Leonard Conner is a resident of Live Oak, where he works as a firefighter and paramedic for Suwannee County Fire/Rescue. Over the past 23 years, Conner has held a variety of posts in the field of fire safety, including the ranks of captain, lieutenant and fire inspector.

David Lawrence Knowles, of Hawthorne, is a captain of Citrus County Fire/Rescue. Knowles has served as lead paramedic and administrator of a major medical service. He has also worked as a special operations coordinator.

Philip D. Oxendine, of Live Oak, retired in 2005 from the city of Boynton Beach as lieutenant with fire/rescue. Before that he was field representative for the Florida State Fire College. Oxendine has paramedic training as well, and more than 29 years in the field of fire safety.

Kenneth Ray Willis, of Live Oak, is a paramedic with Suwannee County Fire/Rescue. He has been employed with the county as a paramedic since 1985. He has since served as lieutenant, interim EMS director and interim public safety director. Willis is educated in hazardous material cleanup. He is also lead adjunct instructor at North Florida Community College for the EMT and paramedic programs.

Interviews begin July 15 at 1 p.m. at City Hall. All interviews are open to the public.

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