Alexander, Newberry receive retirement honors
White County introduced Seth Weaver as its new fire chief this week, while giving a retirement sendoff to two of its fire service veterans.
Weaver was ceremonially pinned as the new chief at an event Monday, April 27, in the county’s emergency operations center. He is succeeding Fire Chief Norman Alexander, who is retiring this week.
Weaver once served as a volunteer firefighter before joining the department in a full-time position in 2014.
“Chief Alexander recommended to myself and the county manager several months ago, Lt. Seth Weaver,” said White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. “He was promoted to assistant chief several months ago to train directly with Chief Alexander. I’m excited about the future, and he certainly has the foundation to continue to build upon.”
Weaver later said he appreciated the opportunity and wants to see the department continue to progress.
“We have a great group of volunteer and full-time and part-time firefighters,” he said.
Murphy also paid tribute to Alexander and longtime fire services staffer Ana Newberry, who is also retiring this week.
Alexander capped his public safety career with a 15-year tenure as a White County employee, having previously served as a volunteer firefighter. He joined the county as assistant fire chief in August 2005, and was promoted to chief during a consolidation of emergency services.
“It has been an honor to serve with Norman, a humble man with solid integrity, and professionalism,” Murphy said. “He is a good friend and I will certainly miss him being part of our team.”
Prior to his service in White County, Alexander retired from Hall County after serving many years.
“Norman is a legend in the North Georgia fire service, I say that with all due respect,” Murphy said. “He is well-known, has great connections and highly respected. He serves his personnel, and leads with passion.”
Newberry began work with White County is August 2003 as a firefighter administrative officer, and has served in multiple capacities such as public information officer and training and safety officer. Her 17-year stint including working with three different fire chiefs.
“She is the glue that has held the department together,” Murphy said. “She certainly keeps us all in line, and makes sure we are following all requirements to keep our department in compliance and within standards.”