By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 Senior Editor
ATLANTA — U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran is stepping down from the role to return to his previous position as chief of Atlanta Fire Rescue.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed named Cochran as the city’s fire chief Tuesday, less than a year after he departed to become head of the USFA.
Accepting the role back in Atlanta, Chief Cochran said it was an “extreme honor” to return to the city as its fire chief.
“Serving at the Federal level has truly been a highlight of my fire service career,” Chief Cochran said.
“Being America’s fire chief cannot be understated, but I believe being Atlanta’s fire chief is my career purpose and calling.”
Chief Cochran has nearly 30 years of experience from firefighter to assistant chief training officer in Shreveport, La., where he eventually became chief before moving to the Atlanta Fire Department in 2008.
Mayor Reed announced his three finalists for the position last week. The two other candidates were Atlanta’s interim chief Joel Baker and the head of the department’s airport operations, Brenda Nishiyama Willis.
“I think that Kelvin is the ideal candidate because he already has great knowledge of the City of Atlanta, and the time he spent in the Obama administration, working with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, gave him additional experience to serve our great city,” Mayor Reed said.
“For those reasons, I believe he’ll be a true asset to the City and I look forward to welcoming him back to Atlanta.”
‘Extensive expertise’
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate paid tribute Wednesday to the outgoing fire administrator.
“As U.S. Fire Administrator, Kelvin Cochran brought not only extensive expertise in fire prevention and response, but also a dedication to public service, to the job,” he said.
“Although I’m sad to see him go, I understand his desire to return to Atlanta and congratulate him on his appointment as Chief for the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.
“I thank him for his service as U.S. Fire Administrator and look forward to working with him in his new position.”
Atlanta Professional Firefighters Association President Jim Daws told WABE Atlanta one of the reasons Chief Cochran left the department last year was because he was uncertain over his job security.
The term of then Mayor Shirley Franklin was coming to an end, and Chief Cochran was unable to gain assurances about his position from one of the mayoral candidates.
Daws said while some members of the Atlanta department were disappointed at his departure, he should be able to win back support.
“I think that Chief Cochran relinquishing the U.S. Fire Administrator’s job, which is widely considered to be the top fire chief job in the country, demonstrates his commitment to the city of Atlanta and Atlanta Fire Rescue,” Daws reportedly told WABE Atlanta.