Richmond Hill has hired Valdosta Fire Department battalion chief Ralph Catlett as its new fire chief, the city announced Tuesday night. 

Also Tuesday, state Sen. Buddy Carter swore in Mayor Harold Fowler and council member Russ Carpenter after both were re-elected to their seats without opposition. In addition, Johnny Murphy was sworn in as Post 1 representative and Carpenter was elected mayor pro tem by council members. 

More on both stories in the Jan. 11 issue of the Bryan County News.