801 Crockett Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
318/ 673-6655 ● FAX: 318/ 673-6656 ● www.shreveportfire.org

Kelvin J. Cochran, Fire Chief

February 19, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Baltimore Goes With Insider for Fire Chief’s Position

Shreveport Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran announced to his staff this morning that the city of Baltimore had chosen Chief William Goodwin, a department insider, as their next Fire Chief.

Cochran, Shreveport’s fire chief for the last two and a half years, was a finalist along with Goodwin to head the 1700 member east coast department. In a message that seemed to convey relief rather than disappointment, Cochran said that the process was a learning experience and one which strengthened his relationship with the city of Shreveport and its community. "In the last week and a half since the story broke, I have received a great informal community performance evaluation. One which makes me humble and proud of the work I have done with the Shreveport Fire Department, the citizens of our area, and the community at large," said Cochran.

In making their selection, Baltimore again chose to stay within the confines of their fire department when selecting a fire chief. This was the first time in the storied history of the department that they entertained hiring a fire chief from the outside. Cochran did not seek the Baltimore position but rather was solicited to apply by a headhunter agency contracted by the city of Baltimore. Cochran then traveled to Baltimore last month for a formal interview with city leaders. After two nationwide searches spanning over more than year, Cochran and Goodwin’s names were submitted to Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley as finalist for the position.

The fact Cochran was not selected has the Shreveport Fire Department breathing a sigh of relief. "There is no doubt that Chief Cochran would have excelled and performed exceptionally in Baltimore just as he has here. We are truly fortunate to still have someone of Chief Cochran’s stature and sought after leadership ability as our Fire Chief," said department spokesman Brian Crawford. ###