Powers, who lives in Wilmore, said the transition between chiefs should be an easy one because of the good state the department is currently in.
"Chief Anderson left it in really good shape, and we're going to continue in the good shape he left it in and hopefully go to another level," he said. "We're going to keep our same working relationships with the city of Nicholasville and Jessamine County Fire and EMS. We're not going to change anything like that at all."
Powers does envision some changes down the road, though. He wants to put more of an emphasis on the department being family-oriented and visible in the Wilmore community.
"Sometimes that's easier said than done because everybody's so busy, and they've got so many other things going on because (the firefighters) are volunteers," Powers said. "I think we've got enough young people that will really grab hold of this. Just to be a family unit like the brotherhood that usually is the fire service."
The new chief said he would also like to see the department add more firefighters down the road. The WFD currently has 15, and Powers said he wants to add at least five more. The department recently received a $41,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security that allowed Anderson to purchase $13,000 worth of training material for new officers as well as personal protective equipment and breathing apparatuses.
"When you've got somebody like Chief Anderson that's left (the department) the way he's left it, it's a lot easier to add something because the structure is already there," Powers said. "It's going to be a challenge in some areas. I'm going to change the structure in some areas, but I'm not exactly sure how yet."
Powers spoke highly of the former chief, and stressed the fact that he did not return to the department because Anderson had left.
"He'll be my chief until the day I die," Powers said. "I respect the man."
Powers has a wife, Cecile, and two sons, Charles and John. Charles lives in Florence, Ky. with his wife, Larrasa, and John lives in Wilmore with his wife, Linda. Both sons are expecting children this year.
Powers' full-time job is as a plumber at Asbury College.
"I'm looking forward (to the new position)," he said. "We've got a good team. We've got good officers, and I'm looking forward to working with every one of them. I think it will really be good."
