The Knoxville Fire and Rescue Department have made some preliminary changes to their internal structure. The changes were discussed at the City Council meeting Monday evening. City Manager Harold Stewart explains that it’s a step system that will make it easier for members to move through the department internally. Underneath the fire chief, the department will have deputies and captains for both fire and EMS work.

The re-structuring will also lesson some of the workload that interim chief Greg Higginbotham has. Higginbotham also serves as the deputy for EMS work. The leadership team will also serve as advisors for the chief in representing the entire department. Though the system was presented to the Council, it wasn’t officially approved. Stewart says that they’ll work out the kinks over the next couple months as they continue searching for a new chief.