Ocean Springs News
Ponson Named New Fire Chief for City of Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs, MS – Jeffrey Ponson, a 27-year veteran firefighter with the Ocean Springs Fire Department, was named Fire Chief, OSFD following action by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at the July 21 meeting.
Chief Ponson has been serving as Deputy Chief for two years with the department. Prior, he served as Battalion Chief, in addition to several titles throughout his 27-year career with the Ocean Springs Fire Department.
“I will continue to serve the citizens of Ocean Springs to the best of my abilities, as I have done for the last 27 years,” said Chief Ponson. “I thank the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
Chief Ponson’s current office is located at the James Murray Fire Station, 1226 Bienville Boulevard. Following the groundbreaking of the Public Safety Facility this summer, the chief hopes to make his new home in the Fire/EOC Complex, as part of the Public Safety Facility in late 2010. Funded by a Community Development Block Grant, Katrina Community Revitalization Grant and the 2% tax levy on food and beverage, the complex is currently under construction on Bienville Boulevard, adjacent to the Ocean Springs Civic Center.
“This site will house city employees who work to serve and protect our citizens – police, fire, emergency operations and court system. We are all looking forward to our moving day and thank the citizens and officials who worked to make this happen for us,” said Chief Ponson.
During his administration, Chief Ponson hopes to improve the Fire Prevention Program, update equipment for firemen, and improve employee morale. A lifelong resident of the MS Coast, he currently resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, Donna. They are the parents of a daughter and a son, and the grandparents of one grandchild, Joshua.
