Editor's note: Check out FireRescue1's feature on the previous Shreveport chief, who is now at Atlanta, Kelvin Cochran.

The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A member of the expert panel that studied Charleston's deadly Sofa Super Store fire has been chosen to lead the Shreveport (La.) Fire Department as its next chief.

Brian Crawford, a 24-year veteran, had served as assistant to Shreveport Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran, who left at the end of last year to become fire chief in Atlanta. Crawford, 44, is also a resident instructor at the National Fire Academy.

Crawford was part of a six-member panel appointed by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley to study his city's Fire Department and its handling of the June 18, 2007, sofa store blaze that killed nine city firefighters. The panel, headed by former Shreveport Fire Chief Gordon Routley, released its report in May and is working on a long-range plan for the department.

Crawford had been mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas, who retired last month. Barbara Vaughn, the city's public information officer, said Thursday she didn't know whether Crawford had applied for the post.

The city has hired Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment to conduct a nationwide search for a chief to lead the Charleston department. The consultant has said a chief likely will be selected by mid-September.

Copyright 2008, The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)