Thomas R. Wood has been named the new fire chief of Boca Raton (Fla.) Fire-Rescue Services. Wood has been serving as interim chief since April, when his predecessor, Bruce Silk, retired.

Wood, 52, began his career as a firefighter with the Boca Raton department in 1974. "It's an honor and pleasure to be serving here," said Wood, who had served as deputy chief of the 225-member department for eight years prior to Silk’s retirement.

Wood's credentials include a bachelor's degree in fire and life safety earned at Florida International University and a master's degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University Online. He also has completed the Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship program.