| The new U.S. Fire Administrator, Kelvin Cochran is officially sworn in by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano |
U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran was sworn into office today by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) 2009 Fire Rescue International conference in Dallas, Texas.
Cochran will oversee and lead the coordination and direction of national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response. Cochran will supervise fire prevention and safety education programs and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.
"Our first responders are an essential component in our effort to assist Americans in the wake of major disasters," said Fugate. "Kelvin's extensive experience as former fire chief in Atlanta and Shreveport makes him the ideal candidate to take over this important post. I congratulate him and look forward to working together as we continue to expand our national emergency response team; a team that includes federal agency partners, members of the private sector, volunteer organizations and most importantly, the public."
Cochran has twenty-eight years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.
| Kelvin Cochran responds to cheers and applause following the ceremony |
Prior to joining FEMA, Cochran served as Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, where he coordinated homeland security and emergency preparedness initiatives between the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and oversaw 35 fires stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Previously, he served in the Shreveport, Louisiana Fire Department as a firefighter, Assistant Chief Training Officer, and Fire Chief. Cochran also served as President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).