By all accounts, the new Natchez Fire Chief seems to have his priorities in order.

The first words he said about becoming the new head of one of the city’s most important department were simple: “First, I want to give thanks to God,” Ventris Green said.

Green was recently named the official new fire chief after serving as interim chief for several months.

Green seems to be the kind of person well suited for the role. He has many years of service with the fire department as well as being an emergency medical technician. Those roles equip him to be unflappable under stress and that’s a critical role for a fire chief.

But Green also must possess a tenacious desire to work hard for the firefighters he leads. They’re underpaid and have less than adequate fire stations, less equipment than they need and generally have been neglected by the city for years.

Green can work over time to fix those problems. They didn’t happen overnight and they’re not going to get fixed overnight either.

But with slow, steady and determined progress Green can lead the Natchez Fire Department back to the prominent department it once was.

A key part of that will be helping lead the city’s efforts to find a way to work with Adams County to improve fire protection for all area residents.

We wish Green the best of luck and support as he officially takes the helm.