The Red Oak City Council, Thursday, approved the hiring of a Virginia man to succeed former Fire Chief Rick Askey, who has retired from the position. During a special meeting Thursday afternoon, the Council agreed to hire James Blount III, who has served with the Wythe, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department, since 1994. Blount is tentatively scheduled to take over the position of Red Oak Fire Chief on July 30^th. 

His starting salary will be $50,000 per year. Blount will bring his family with him when he transfers to Red Oak. They include his wife and four sons.