Huntingdon Appoints Chiefs of Police and Fire

HUNTINGDON (April 22) — The Town of Huntingdon has appointed new chiefs for both the police and fire departments: Jason Oliver and John Fordon, respectively.

Mayor Chad Edwards nominated Oliver and Fordon, and the Town Council confirmed their appointments during the monthly council meeting on April 22.

Chief Jason Oliver has over 15 years of service. A native of Gibson County, he retired from Procter & Gamble. Jason, who has been married to his wife Jessica for 19 years, has two children. He graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2010 and began his career as a patrolman in Medina. His outstanding service and commitment to community safety earned him the Police Officer of the Year award in both 2010 and 2011. He advanced through the ranks from sergeant to captain and served as chief of police in Gibson County for nine years.

Fire Chief John Fordon, 57, relocated to Huntingdon in October 2023. He has 31.5 years of experience with the Elk Grove Village Fire Department. John and his wife, Pamela, have three grown children.

In other business, the Council approved a bid of $26,465.12 for the purchase of two sets of firefighting uniforms and four air cylinders for self-contained breathing apparatus.

The board also approved a $35,715 repair cost for the emergency repair of utility well #2 for the utility department.

Krista Martin, president of the Friends of the Dixie, proposed that the organization take responsibility for many of the day-to-day operations of the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. Dr. Martin mentioned that the Friends of the Dixie would aim to become a non-profit organization, which would allow them to seek grants more effectively and schedule talent acts. In the coming months, the Friends hope to present a more formal proposal to the city leaders.