By John Howell

Batesville Fire Chief Tim Taylor said that he will be among applicants for the full-time fire chief position created  by the the city’s mayor and board of aldermen during executive session Tuesday.

The city officials said following the executive session that the full-time position would be opened to all applicants, including Taylor.

Taylor, who is employed full-time with the U. S. Corps of Engineers at Enid Dam, has served as BFD chief since 1989, he said, employed part-time by the city.

Taylor led BFD through transition from a volunteer, “paid-on-call” department to a combination of full-time, paid firefighters and part-time, paid-on-call firemen.

Nineteen fire fighters presently fill career slots with 18 paid-on-call, BFD Fire and Life Safety Officer Rip Copeland said.

Equipment includes a squad truck for quick attack, Rescue Three, a heavy rescue vehicle and three pumpers, Engines 11, 12 and 13, and Ladder One, Copeland said.

Engine 13 has just been placed into service. It was purchase by the city with funding participation by the county to respond to out-of-town calls. Engine 13 replaces Engine 8, which has become a reserve pumper.

Batesville is presently rated Class Six by the Mississippi Fire Insurance Ratings Bureau.