CD White – On June 14 Eureka Springs Fire Chief Randy Ates will say goodbye to the ESFD and report to Fire Chief Bob Clave the next day to assume assistant chief duties at Holiday Island. As far as filling his position in Eureka Springs, Ates said he has made a recommendation to Mayor Butch Berry, who will make a decision.
Ates cited health issues exacerbated by stress as a contributing factor for his resignation, and admits his move comes with some mixed feelings, but mostly good ones. “I feel like I’m abandoning my guys at a bad time, especially with frozen budget issues and the industry changes coming down the pike,” Ates said, “but everyone has been very understanding.”
Although now doing well after dealing with heart problems for several months, Ates had remained open to pursuing his career in a less stressful environment than the busy Eureka Springs department can offer. When the position of assistant chief at Holiday Island became available, Clave offered it to him.
“I really needed to slow down, and I was offered some things I wanted as part of my job so I was happy to accept,” Ates told the Independent. I’m really looking forward to having more personal time while still serving the community … and I’m just up the road!”