Barnett elected new Fire Chief
Fifteen-year department veteran defeats current chief by just four votes
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Wharton Volunteer Fire Department has a new chief.

Firefighters elected Bobby Barnett, a 15-year veteran, to the position during their annual election meeting Tuesday. Barnett narrowly edged out current chief Anthony Abbott for the department's top spot.

Two rounds of voting were actually required, because the first one ended in a 15-15 tie between the two candidates. In the second round, Barnett won, 17-13.

Barnett was ecstatic. He had run unsuccessfully for the chief's spot the last two years. He will take over the job Jan. 1, 2008.

"I appreciate the guys giving me the opportunity to fill that position and show my skills," Barnett said. "I'm just excited to get started."

Abbott expressed surprise at the results. A Houston firfi.ghter, Abbott has been chief of the Wharton Volunteer Fire Department for the last three years. He was expecting a fourth term.

"I felt confident I was going to stay in my position. I felt that my record spoke for itself," he said. "I feel kind of disappointed, but it was the department that wanted different leadership."

BARNETT

After losing the chief's nomination Tuesday night, Abbott withdrew his name for consideration as an assistant chief. But he said he intends to stay in the department as a regular

volunteer. Barnett credited Abbott for his years of leadership. In his 15 years of service, Barnett has served under three chiefs: Jim Wendel, David Copeland and Abbott. He said each has been a mentor.

Barnett believes such leadership, combined with his own personal skills, will result in a smooth transition. As assistant chief for the last five years, Barnett has become accustomed to serving in an administrative role, though it primarily entailed calling the shots at fire scenes.

The chief's position, on the other hand, encompasses more business-related duties, such as planning budgets and reporting to the Wharton City Council. Barnett will lean on his experience as a real estate agent - he formerly worked for his father, Ken Barnett - to tackle those tasks. Barnett currently works for the Colorado Bend Energy Center.

"I'm looking forward to working with the city. I want to continue to build that relationship."

A native of Wharton, Barnett, 38, graduated from Wharton High School in 1988. His parents are Ken and Becky Barnett of Wharton. He is married to Mandy Barnett, who works in the records division of the Wharton Police Department. He has three sons from a previous marriage: Robert, 20; Taylor, 14; and Kenneth, 12.

Once he takes over as chief, Barnett intends to focus on three areas: construction of a training field, expansion of the fire station and implementation of a new pumper truck which is due to arrive at the first of the year.

The department's current training field is located on Sheppard Street. It includes a house that was used for fire training, but was condemned as unsafe several years ago. The department now trains in El Campo.

"A new training facility is going to be my No. 1 priority," Barnett said.

Another goal is to increase department membership. The current roster includes 31 active members, with two new applicants. The department can accommodate 38.

Barnett believes the department's diversity has been, and will continue to be, an asset.

"There's not been a call in the 15 years I've been there that we haven't been able to handle. We have a great group of guys; they're very dedicated."