July 6 2009 - President Obama Nominates Kelvin Cochran for U.S. Fire Administrator

We are extremely proud, pleased and overjoyed

In announcing key administration posts today, President Barack Obama appoints Shreveport native and former Shreveport Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran to the highest ranking fire service position in the country. Cochran will serve as the United States Fire Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security and will oversee federal policy, legislation, training and education for all of the nation's fire departments.

"We are extremely proud, pleased and overjoyed with the selection of Shreveport's Kelvin Cochran for this critically important public safety position in the Obama administration," says Mayor Cedric B. Glover. "Without question, the City of Shreveport, the Shreveport Fire Department, and indeed the state of Louisiana extends a heartfelt congratulations to Chief Cochran and his family for a job well earned and well deserved."

“From a professional industry standpoint and from a personal character standpoint they could not have made a better selection. Chief Cochran’s time in Shreveport as fire chief established a progressive course for our success for many years to come. I am excited for the future of the U.S. Fire Service with him at the helm and am happy for as him and his family,” said Cochran’s successor Fire Chief Brian Crawford.

Kelvin Cochran has had 28 years of experience from Firefighter to Assistant Chief Training Officer to Fire Chief of Shreveport (1999-2008) to Fire Chief of Atlanta, Georgia with involvement in all phases of the fire service: fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, recruiting, public education, research and development, employee counseling, discipline, performance evaluation, and administration, with specialization in training and strategic planning/facilitating. He has also served as the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).