Senate Committee Approves Nomination of Chief Ernest Mitchell to Lead USFA

On Wednesday, October 19th, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination of Chief Ernest Mitchell, Jr. to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administration (USFA).  President Barack Obama nominated Chief Mitchell to head USFA on August 2, 2011. 

Prior to his retirement, Chief Mitchell served as Fire Chief and Assistant Director of Disaster Emergency Services for the city of Pasadena (CA) Fire Department from 1998 to 2004.  In addition, he served as Fire Chief and Deputy City Manager of Monrovia, California from 1991 to 1998.  Chief Mitchell has more than 30 years of experience in the fire service.

Chief Mitchell served as IAFC president in 2003-2004.  He currently serves on the International Association of Fire Fighters Hazardous Materials Advisory Board and the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board.  Mr. Mitchell holds an A.S. in fire science from Long Beach City College, a B.P.A. from the University of San Francisco and an M.P.A. from California State University at Northridge.

Chief Mitchell’s nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

Four Firefighters Hurt in Fire in Abandoned Harlem (NY) Building

Four firefighters were injured battling a massive fire that tore through an abandoned Harlem building where jazz icon Billie Holiday reportedly once lived.