Charlie Dickinson, former chief of the Pittsburgh Fire Department and a 37-year fire services leader, has been appointed Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison announced.

"Charlie Dickinson brings excellent management experience to USFA, as well as valuable knowledge of the reorganization that has helped USFA become an integral part of FEMA," said Paulison. "His leadership will be an important asset as USFA works within FEMA to implement President Bush's agenda for a better-prepared nation."

After relocating in early 1999 to mid-Pennsylvania, Chief Dickinson began working for the USFA as a consultant on a major reorganization of the USFA. He began his fire service career as a firefighter in 1962 in the city of Hayward, Calif., near Oakland. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to battalion chief in 1981 and served his last 3 years in the Hayward Fire Department as the city's emergency services coordinator.

In 1986 Chief Dickinson was appointed as an assistant chief in the Pittsburgh, Pa., Bureau of Fire where he was responsible for the operations and training divisions. In 1988 he was appointed as Pittsburgh’s fire chief and served until leaving the bureau at the end of 1998.

He has served on many committees and projects for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Prevention Association. He also is an Instructor in the Command and Control Curriculum at USFA’s National Fire Academy.

Chief Dickinson continues to volunteer his time with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. As deputy administrator, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the USFA’s Emmitsburg facility and programs.