Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran has accepted a key federal position with the Obama Administration.
Cochran was chosen as U.S. Fire Administrator with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Department of Homeland Security, according to a White House press release.
"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," President Obama said in the statement, which includes nominations of nine others for various federal roles.
Cochran has 28 years of experience from firefighter to chief training officer to fire chief, according to the press release. Cochran has also served as the president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America.
Cochran took over as Atlanta's fire chief in 2008. Prior to his post with Atlanta, he served as fire chief in Shreveport, Louisiana beginning in 1999.
"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," Cochran said in a statement from the City of Atlanta's press office.
The U.S. fire administrator oversees the coordination and direction of national fire prevention and firefighting efforts, according to the press release. Cochran will also oversee safety education and professional development programs, as well.
Atlanta Fire Spokesman Capt. Bill May said it's unclear when Cochran will leave his post for the federal position.
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