MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — James A. “Jamie” Hinton Jr., who stepped down as fire chief in Foley in January 2008, was formally approved as fire chief by the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors on Monday.

Hinton will complete the balance of the three-year term left open by longtime fire chief Joby Smith, who leaves for a “new job opportunity” in Panama City, Fla., according to a release issued Monday by MSVFD. Smith had served as chief for more than 12 years.

“I was delighted to hear that Jamie Hinton will take on the role as our fire chief. Jamie is not only a seasoned and experienced firefighter, but a great guy,” Mayor Charles Houser said.

“I have to admit I have mixed emotions about Joby Smith leaving our community. Our volunteer Fire Department has thrived with Joby at the helm as evidenced by the number of volunteers we have today. He has not only been a great firefighter; he has been a great citizen in our community.”

Hinton, a graduate of Robertsdale High School, came to Foley Fire Department in April 1999. He grew up in Loxley and got his start as a junior firefighter at age 17. He became volunteer chief in Foley in January 2001 and eventually became the city’s first paid fire chief. At the time of his resignation, FFD had 14 other paid firefighters and 14 part-time firefighters.

According to the release, Hinton is supervisor over Field Operations and Chief Training Officer for a private emergency medical services company. He was a firefighter in Mobile, a fire medic in Orange Beach, and a fire chief in Loxley.

Hinton has been awarded over 50 certifications in fire, medical and specialty courses, the release said.

Smith’s new position will be with Bay County (Fla.) Emergency Services as communications director.