CLINTON - Shawn Milton was officially sworn in as Clinton's new fire chief in a private ceremony Tuesday afternoon, capping several days filled with controversy surrounding his appointment.

The swearing-in ceremony came just 18 hours after an emotion-filled City Council workshop session Monday night. Several firefighters voiced their displeasure with Public Health and Safety Commissioner Jerry Milton's nomination of his son for the job.

"We just felt that it was best to go ahead and get him sworn in so that if there were any out-of-town fires or any situation where we needed the leadership, we had a chief in place," Commissioner Milton said.

"An additional advantage is that it starts the healing process a little sooner," he said. "We know we have work to do in that area, and we just hope to move forward."

A week earlier, Shawn Milton's appointment was approved on a 3-2 vote. His appointment to the part-time post lasts until May 1, giving the city time to consider whether to have a full-time or part-time chief.

Commissioners Milton and Tom Edmunds and Mayor Ed Wollet voted in favor of the nomination. Commissioners Bryan Hickman and John Wise voted against it.

Among those who spoke Monday against the nomination was fire Capt. Steve Mayfield.

"I wasn't aware that Shawn had been sworn in, and I'm not going to say much until I get the chance to talk to Shawn and Jerry," Mayfield said. "I do know that this decision will stand and we can't change it.

"We're firemen and we need to let the community know that we are still a working unit even though we have some differences right now."

Chief Milton wasn't available for comment Tuesday evening.

Commissioner Milton said he believes it will take time, but that things will get better.

"Shawn and the firemen who were opposed to him were at the station talking after the meeting and they are already starting to work on fixing the problems that exist," he said.

"The main problem the firemen have is that they don't like the fact that the chief would report to his father," he said. "They haven't said anything negative about Shawn or his leadership. They just don't like the fact that the relationship of father-son exists, but this is a small town and sometimes you run into that."

Edmunds said it's now time to see if the new chief can handle the leadership duties assigned to him.

"Let's see if he can do the job we think he can," Edmunds said. "He hasn't had the chance to lead the squad by himself and now, he has that opportunity.

"We're all wishing him the best because everyone hopes he will succeed. We know we have outstanding men on this department and it's my belief everyone will come together."

The city has been without a chief since Jeff Pearl died in November.

Shawn Milton and Brian Armstrong shared the chief's duties with the rank of assistant chief until Milton's appointment. Armstrong, who is Jerry Milton's son-in-law, resigned after that.