By Theodore Decker
The Columbus Dispatch
CINCINNATI — Richard A. Braun, an assistant chief with the Columbus Fire Division for the past 11 years, is leaving to take the helm of the Cincinnati Fire Department.
In an announcement yesterday morning, Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr. said Braun will start in mid-January.
“Chief Braun’s well-rounded experience in administrative functions, fire suppression and medical services is important as the Cincinnati Fire Department faces the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Dohoney said.
Braun has been with the Columbus Fire Division since 1973, according to city records.
He currently heads the Bureau of Emergency Services, where he was responsible for emergency-services operations, deployment and emergency-scene command, including EMS.
Assistant Chief Warren Cox, the Fire Division’s executive officer, called Braun a “well-rounded” chief who is prepared to handle the challenges facing the Cincinnati department. A budget proposal now before Cincinnati’s city council calls for the layoff of 144 firefighters.
“This is where Chief Braun’s abilities in strategic planning, resource allocation and rapport building will be especially useful right off the bat,” Dohoney said.
Braun’s last day hasn’t been set, but Cox said it will be in January. He expects the division to move quickly to fill his position.
“We hate to lose him and simply wish him the best,” he said.
Braun, 62, could not be reached to comment yesterday.
In the Cincinnati announcement, he said he was honored to be chosen.
Assistant chiefs of big-city departments commonly are tapped to lead other metropolitan departments, Cox said.
Cincinnati’s proposed 2011 budget for its fire department is $62 million. Columbus’ proposed budget is $200 million.
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