FIRE CHIEF

LELAND KELLER (Kel) BLANTON Date of Hire: November 9, 2004

Chief Kel Blanton came to the Somerville Fire Department in 2004 as Assistant Fire Chief. Upon the retirement of former Fire Chief E. H. Steinert in 2006, he was promoted to Chief. Kel Blanton has been fighting fires for the largest part of his adult life. He came to Somerville Fire Department with fifteen (15) years experience as Fire Chief of Whiteville, Tennessee. Kel has gained skills and knowledge working in assignments encompassing all aspects of the fire department.

A native of Hardeman County, Tennessee, Chief Blanton was born and raised in the Whiteville area. He attended both public and private schools, and graduated in 1974 from Fayette Academy, located in Somerville. Kel is married to the former Sherry Dunn of Somerville and has two sons and two grandchildren.

The Somerville Fire Department seeks to provide the citizens of Somerville with first aid, search and rescue, and fire protection. The department consists of two assistant chiefs, four full time firemen, and fourteen part-time reserves.