Shreveport, La., Mayor Cedrick Glover chose Brian Crawford as the city's next fire chief. Crawford was selected from 27 applicants and five finalists to replace Kelvin Cochran who had been chief since 1999 and left in January to become Atlanta's chief.

“The fact that Brian possesses a balance of experience both in terms of the fire line [and administrative] gave him the kind of well rounded experience that we were looking for," Glover said. "He has committed himself over the years to being the very best that he can in his profession and that’s exemplified by everything that he’s done on the line and within administration and outside of the department with all of the various affiliations and activities that he’s involved in and connected to.”

Crawford has 24 years of service and was most recently assistant chief. He is a member of the task force examining the 2007 fire in Charleston, S.C. that killed nine firefighters. He also is a member of FIRE CHIEF's editorial advisory board.

Crawford's appointment must be confirmed by the city council, which is expected to bring it up later this month.