January 6, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-02)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
MOBILE ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF TO RETIRE
Assistant Fire Chief, Michael O. Byrd has announced his retirement from the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department. His last workday will be Friday, January 7, 2005. Byrd will take accumulative leave until his retirement becomes official in April 2005.
Byrd has been the Assistant Fire Chief since his promotion in February of 2001. Byrd, 52, joined the department December 1, 1973 and has served over 31 years. Byrd was hired and served as a firefighter from 1973 until 1975. In 1975 he was promoted to Firefighter-Driver. In 1981 he was promoted to Fire Captain and served in that position until 1986 when he was promoted to District Fire Chief. While District Fire Chief, Byrd was assigned to various duties including Training Officer, Division Chief for Emergency Medical Services and Communications as well as in the field as Fire Ground Commander. In 1995 he was promoted Deputy Fire Chief and served as Chief of Field Operations, Administrative Services, and Personnel and Administration.
Byrd graduated from Bishop State Community College in 1987 with an AAS Degree in Fire Services Management. In 1992 he received his BPS Degree from Memphis State University with a major in Fire Service Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude and being listed on the President's List every semester. In 1993, he completed the 4-year Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
A picture of Byrd is on the department's website along with this release.
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