Charlie Barker

We reported Friday night that longtime Fire Department PIO Charlie Barker was leaving Knoxville City government at the end of the month.

Charlie has worked for the Fire Department for more than 8 years. He's been with the City for nearly a decade. But late last week, he was informed that he was no longer needed, that his position would not be funded in the new budget.

Charlie's a good fellow. He was also a good public information officer. He was prompt with return calls and extremely helpful in aiding our reporters with their stories.

And he never held a grudge, even when, on that rare occasion, we would report a negative story on the Fire Department. He was the total professional and never confused his duty as a public servant and his own personal feelings.

When I was starting out as a reporter, Assistant Chiefs on the scene of a fire provided us with information. I suspect the process will return to those times. And I guess if its a story requiring comment about a fire department policy or issue, the Mayor's office will handle it.

Still, as a friend of Charlie's I hate it for him.