November 30, 1999
Mayor Williams Named Interim Chief and Announced Next Steps For Fire Department
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today named an interim chief for the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and outlined plans for a national search for a permanent chief. The Mayor made these announcements following Chief Donald Edwards announced retirement.
Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Tippett will serve as Interim Fire Chief. Tippett brings 31 years of service in the District to this position and has served as Deputy Fire Chief for the District since 1997. In this capacity, Chief Tippett was responsible for the staffing and operation of 54 fire companies in the District, overseeing almost 300 firefighters.
During the press conference the Mayor thanked Chief Edwards for his 31 years of service to the citizens of the city. Chief Edward's retirement is effective immediately.
"Chief Edwards took over a department struggling during a financial crisis and provided stability the Department needed," said the Mayor. "Chief Edwards is a dedicated firefighter, and I have enormous respect for him. He shares my commitment to making the Department one of the best in the country."
Mayor Williams has asked Steve Harlan, former member of the D.C. Control Board, to put together and lead a search committee for Chief Edward's replacement. Mr. Harlan will be recruiting candidates nationally. Harlan led the search committee that recruited Chief Charles Ramsey of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Chere Calloway, Director of Competitive Services for the District, will head a management team that will add support and help address the challenges of the Fire Department. The team will include representatives from the Office of Procurement, Personnel and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
"Ultimately, this is about delivering first class services our residents expect and deserve. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and it's up to us to provide them with the support they need," said the Mayor. "It means making sure every available penny is spent wisely. It means making sure our emergency response time is one of the best in the nation."
The announcement was made at One Judiciary Square.
