By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 Senior Editor
CHICAGO — The man tasked with rebuilding the Charleston Fire Department in the wake of the Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine firefighters was named Career Fire Chief of the Year on Thursday.
Chief Tom Carr was presented with the award during the opening ceremonies of Fire-Rescue International in Chicago. Chief Timothy S. Wall, of the North Farms, Conn., Volunteer Fire Department was given the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award.
“The leadership, integrity and contributions to the fire service demonstrated by Chief Carr and Chief Wall are inspiring,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. “All of us benefit from their dedication.”
Chief Carr joined the Charleston Fire Department nearly two years ago, being tasked with bringing about the desperately-needed change that was required following the tragedy in 2007 that claimed the lives of nine firefighters.
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Before the conference, Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., paid tribute to Chief Carr for his role in overhauling the culture of the department.
“The task of taking the fire department from mourning to recovery was, and continues to be, a monumental endeavor,” he said. “Chief Carr’'s steady leadership, open approach, vision, and personal investment in the men and women of the City of Charleston Fire Department are gently, but steadily guiding the department to new greatness.”
Chief Wall is a third generation firefighter, and has served more than 30 years at the North Farms Volunteer Fire Department, being chief since 1996.
“Chief Wall is well-known throughout the state for his work in the fire service,” said Representative Mary G. Fritz, Assistant Deputy Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. “Training his men and women to be the best they can be is the very essence of Tim Wall.”
Sponsored by Pierce, the annual awards — run by Fire Chief Magazine — are now in their 15th year.