Atlanta Chief Picked to Lead USFA

FirefighterNation.com

Today the White House released the names and brief biographies of individuals President Obama has intended to nominate to key administrative positions.

Among them is Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran as the head of the U.S. Fire Adminstration.

From the White House July 6, 2009 Press Release:

"Kelvin James Cochran, Nominee for U.S. Fire Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security

Kelvin Cochran has had 28 years of experience from Firefighter to Assistant Chief Training Officer to Fire Chief of Shreveport, Louisiana, to Fire Chief of Atlanta, Georgia with involvement in all phases of the fire service: fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, recruiting, public education, research and development, employee counseling, discipline, performance evaluation, and administration, with specialization in training and strategic planning/facilitating. He has also served as the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA)."

Chief Cochran also serves as a editorial board member to Fire Rescue magazine.

Excerpt from City of Atlanta Press Release:

President Obama said, “Each of these individuals brings with them valuable expertise in their respective fields, and I am grateful for their decision to serve in my administration. They will be important additions to our team as we work to guide this country back on the path to prosperity, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

Kelvin James Cochran, Nominee for U.S. Fire Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security

Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran said, “I am honored and humbled to have been nominated to serve the administration of President Barak Obama and the American people through the United States Fire Administration. I look forward to working with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Director Craig Fugate to enhance America’s Fire Service role in preparedness and response, and protecting life and property.”

“It is remarkable to think that my childhood dream of being a firefighter, has taken me from the front porch of a shotgun house in Shreveport, Louisiana, to becoming the head of the United States Fire Administration.”

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano officially announced today President Obama’s intent to nominate Kelvin Cochran— who brings decades of experience in preventing and responding to fires and emergencies—as U.S. Fire Administrator.

“Kelvin will play a vital role in strengthening our fire prevention and emergency management capabilities across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Working closely with our state and local partners, Kelvin will lead our nationwide efforts to prepare for and respond to fire emergencies.”

As U.S. Fire Administrator, Cochran is charged with overseeing, coordinating, and directing national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response. Cochran will oversee fire prevention and safety education programs and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.

President Obama Nominates Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran for Key...

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