MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Collierville’s Fire Chief, John Selberg, has resigned from his position, officials announced Friday morning.
In a statement, Collierville officials stated that Selberg “made the decision to retire and has resigned from his position effective immediately.”
The situation prompted a statement of explanation from town Mayor Maureen Fraser that was released late Friday.
Selberg’s resignation comes after WREG reported he was placed on administrative leave with pay just last week.
Collierville officials said the fire department will continue to operate under the direction of Acting Chief Mark Carter.
A town spokesperson did not explain the reason for Selberg’s resignation, saying in part, “It is not customary or appropriate in either the public or private sector to discuss details related to personnel matters.”
But Fraser issued a statement Friday night outlining what she said was the cause for the tension with Selberg that ultimately led him to resign.
Fraser said Selberg had failed to meet fire department objectives and performance metrics, and had a meeting on the matter with Town Administrator Molly Mehner on July 31.
A town meeting was scheduled Aug. 10. That’s when Selberg allegedly told supporters, “I don’t f****** work for Molly Mehnert,” leading to his suspension, Fraser said.
“His vulgar statement, in public, about the Town Administrator, his boss, doing her job, that insubordination was the final straw,” Fraser said.
She said she respected Selberg’s decision to retire, still considered him a friend, and wished him the best in future endeavors.
Selberg previously spent 45 years at the Germantown Fire Department, before he became Collierville Fire Chief in 2022.
Carter began working at the Collierville Fire Department in 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Chief, in which he was praised for his leadership and training.
The mayor and Board of Alderman will meet with attorneys behind closed doors Monday to discuss personnel matters.
Mayor Fraser Statement 8-21-26Download