By Ernie Suggs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA — Joel Baker, a 21-year veteran of the Atlanta Fire Department, was named interim fire chief Friday by Mayor Shirley Franklin. He replaces Kelvin Cochran, who was named U.S. fire administrator by President Barack Obama.
“He is the right person for the job at this time,” Franklin said. “Were I to be mayor for another six months, I would make this permanent.”
In making Baker the interim chief, Franklin was honoring a pledge she made in 2001 to not “tie the hands of a new mayor,” with last-minute, long-term appointments. Baker said his top priorities are restoring the department’s insurance rating, working on strategic planning and addressing staffing issues.
Copyright 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution