Garner names new fire chief

Poole succeeds Phil Mitchell, who retired in June amid a state probe into the disappearance of nearly $400,000 in department funds. The department's former bookkeeper was charged last month with embezzlement in the case.

Poole, 33, who has served as interim chief for the past six months, began volunteering with the Garner department in 1995 and later rose through the ranks.

The department's board also named Tim Herman, 33, as deputy chief. He joined the department as a volunteer in 1996 and has served as captain for the last eight years.