It appears Troup County has a new fire chief after all.

John Ekaitis officially accepted the job on Monday, but there was some confusion after the Americus Times-Recorder reported that he’d decided to stay in Sumter County. However, on Thursday morning Ekaitis clarified to the Americus paper that he does plan on moving to Troup County.

“There’s not a more committed group of career and volunteer firefighters than the members of Sumter County Fire & Rescue,” Ekaitis said to the Americus Times-Recorder. 

“I’m proud of each and every one of them. I thank the community, the department and the board of commissioners for all they’ve done for me.”

Ekaitis has not been reached for comment by The LaGrange Daily News, despite numerous attempts to contact him via phone and email. However, Troup County released a press release on Thursday afternoon with a quote from Ekaitis.

“I am very excited to begin this great opportunity in Troup County and am looking forward to serving the community alongside other staff members of the fire department,” Ekaitis said.

Troup County Manager Eric Mosley said Ekaitis never told him he was having second thoughts about the position, thus as far as he’s concerned Ekaitis was accepting the job all along. 

“As far as I know his intentions never changed,” Mosley said, citing numerous conversations with Ekaitis the last few days. “He’s a very passionate individual, and I think he has a lot of allegiance to his community and that same allegiance will transfer here once he gets to Troup County.”

Ekaitis is slated to start his new position in Troup County on July 29.