While the job titles may switch, Rusty Barnett will stay in the business of being involved within the community.

Barnett, Carter County mayor-elect, will officially take office Saturday, Sept. 1, but in the meantime is fulfilling obligations at his other posts within the community. Barnett is expected to turn in his resignation with the Carter County Board of Education Chairman in the coming weeks and is set to retire from the Elizabethton Fire Department on Friday, Aug. 31, as deputy fire chief. With over 40 years of public service under his belt, Barnett has spent the past 38 years with the EFD and indicated Aug. 31 will be a bittersweet day as he makes the transition to the Carter County Courthouse.

“I’m excited about the new opportunity to help others, but it will be a sad day,” Barnett said about his last day with the department. “I’ve been involved with this for 41 years and 38 years have been with the Elizabethton Fire Department. I’m going to miss seeing them every day but I’m right across the river and I know the department is in great hands.”

According to Barnett, the process of selecting a new deputy chief is expected to take place in September. The position — which is expected to be promoted internally — could open up six new promotions within the department, he added.

Fire Chief Barry Carrier added that once Barnett retires, the job will be posted internally with a promotional policy in place. Carrier added there are “highly-trained” members of the department that will be able to apply and expects a decision to be made at the end of September.

During his time with the department, Barnett’s responsibilities were widespread, ranging from payroll to organizing the training regimen for incoming firefighters. Barnett was promoted to the position of deputy chief in 2015 after serving in a variety of ways, ranging from a firefighter, engineer and senior captain.

The mayor-elect was quick to commend the efforts of Carrier and the rest of the department members, adding the future of EFD is bright with the leadership in place.

“Things are running a lot better and there’s definitely a bright future ahead,” Barnett said. “One of the things we were able to improve on was the level of training for firefighters. We have 28-certified instructors that are able to work with firefighters to make sure they have the proper training to serve the community.”

Carrier was quick to praise the efforts of Barnett’s time with the department.

“He’s contributed so much in so many different ways,” he said. “He’s put in hours of tireless work during his time with the department. Everyone here is going to miss him.”

A retirement celebration at the department will be hosted Aug. 31 from noon until 2 p.m. and Barnett added the public is invited to stop by.