News

The Senate confirmed Kelvin J. Cochran as Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration by voice vote on Friday, August 7. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) endorsed Cochran’s nomination for U.S. Fire Administrator and supported a quick confirmation process.

 

"As the Chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department as well as the former chief in Shreveport, LA, Chief Cochran brings extensive experience to a critical position within our Agency and the Department of Homeland Security," said Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate. "The USFA plays a critical role in our efforts to mitigate, prepare, and respond to disasters and emergencies, and I look forward to working with Chief Cochran as we continue to build our national emergency response team."

 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano had announced President Obama’s intention to nominate Cochran as U.S Fire Administrator on July 7. The Administrator is charged with overseeing the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy, fire prevention and safety education programs, and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.

 

Cochran joined the Shreveport (LA) Fire Department as a firefighter in 1981, rising through the ranks to become fire Chief in 1999. Last year, he was hired as the Fire Chief of the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. His career spans years of experience in the fire service, including firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management, and administration. He specializes in training and strategic planning.

 

At his confirmation hearing on August 5, Cochran was asked by Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE) about his views on the volunteer fire service, since his experience has been in career fire departments. Cochran answered that as Chief of the Shreveport Fire Department he had established positive working relationships with many of the local volunteer fire departments. He went on to say that one of his first acts as U.S. Fire Administrator would be to reach out to national organizations representing volunteer firefighters, including the NVFC, to ensure that USFA continues to be responsive to the needs of the volunteer fire service.

 

“I’d like to congratulate Chief Cochran on his confirmation as U.S. Fire Administrator,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg.  “The NVFC looks forward to working closely with him to address issues of importance to the volunteer fire service.”