Mayor's Office Announces Finalists for Fire Chief

May 1st, 2017

Mobile, Ala. -- After conducting a comprehensive internal search within the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD), the Mayor's Office is announcing its top five finalists for Fire Chief. The following have been named as final candidates: District Chief Doug Cooper, District Chief Jeremy Lami, Deputy Chief Ken Keller, Deputy Chief Myron King and District Chief Paul Sealy.

"I'm encouraged to see this process moving forward," said Mayor Stimpson. "I firmly believe this decision will set us on the path to becoming the best fire-rescue department in America."

The search was narrowed down from 13 candidates to five after each applicant submitted a strategic plan and endured individual assessments. The selection committee, led by Public Safety Director James Barber, will begin in depth interviews this week and is scheduled to complete its review in the next two weeks. Once completed, the committee will submit a recommendation to Mayor Stimpson who will make the final decision. By statute, the mayor's appointment of a new fire chief must be confirmed by the Mobile City Council.

The selection committee consists of Barber, management consultant Dan Lumpkin, Innovation Team Director Jeff Carter and Montgomery Fire Chief Miford Jordan. Jordan was the first African American to become both Montgomery Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief. Under his leadership, Montgomery Fire Department became the first ISO Class 1 department in the history of Alabama.

"I am impressed with the caliber and potential of all the candidates who participated in this process," said Barber. "This is a testament to the quality of the men and women in MFRD. I am confident there is a leader among these finalists who will implement our vision to become the safest City in America."