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New Fire Chief Appointed

Joe Johnson Sworn In Thursday

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The McMahan Fire Department has appointed a new chief.

Joe Johnson was sworn in as the new chief at a board meeting Thursday night.

Johnson has been serving as interim chief since October.

His appointment comes in the wake of disciplinary charges filed against former chief Paul Barth, who was suspended in November and retired last month.

Barth is accused of using at least $18,000 meant for charity to pay off a fire district credit card -- including charges for personal expenses.

Johnson said new accounting and budgeting procedures have already been put in place.

He said he hopes to rebuild the department's reputation and regain the trust from the community.