| Secretary Napolitano has announced her approval of Kelvin Cochran for US Fire Administrator |
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano applauds 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.
Kelvin Cochran
Cochran has twenty-eight years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.
Most recently, 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 fire stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Previously, he served in the Shreveport, LA 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).