Jackson got a new fire chief Tuesday when city administrator Jim Roach announced the selection of fire Capt. Jason Mouser to replace Brad Golden, who has resigned to take a nursing position at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Mouser, 34, has been a Jackson firefighter since 1997, when he began as a part-time, on-call employee. He became a full-time firefighter/EMT in 1999 and a captain in 2004.

Golden, chief since 1998, tendered his resignation a couple of weeks ago, Roach said. City leaders did not try to talk Golden out of the move, he said.

"I had no indication he was going to resign or anything," Roach said.

Golden has been working at Saint Francis as a part-time nurse. He will be a full-time clinical nurse in the hospital's emergency room, said Dana Hukel, manager of the hospital's marketing department. Golden could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Golden has been on leave, using his accrued vacation time, Roach said. His last official day on the job is Thursday. Mouser will officially take over Saturday, he said.

All three Jackson fire captains were interviewed for the job, which was not advertised, Roach said. "I like to hire from within when I think we have good candidates," he said.

Les Crump, the assistant fire chief, declined to apply, citing his plans to retire within the next year or two, Roach said.

Mouser was chosen because of an outgoing personality, strong background as leader of a four-man fire crew and the responsibility he's shown as training officer for the department. In his letter of resignation, Golden recommended Mouser for the job, Roach said.

Jackson residents won't see much change in the way the department is run, Mouser said. He will, he said, be a strong advocate for building a second fire station to reduce response times for homes and businesses on the north side of the city.

"I think it is something that the city recognizes the need for," Mouser said. "Nothing immediately is going to change, but it is something I am going to work for in the community to build support, and it is better to start sooner rather than waiting for the OK to do it."

Golden was co-coordinator of the SEMO Hazmat Team, a role Mouser expects to assume. The multicounty team trains for responses to hazardous spills.

"We will be able to pick up where chief Golden left off, and with continuous training, I look forward to leading that," Mouser said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126