On Nov. 18, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Ernest Mitchell Jr. as U.S. Fire Administrator. Mitchell retired as the fire chief and assistant director of Disaster Emergency Services for Pasadena (Calif.) Fire Department after 33 years in the fire service. During his career, Mitchell either chaired or been a member of many working committees that contributed to community development, as well as to local, state and national fire and emergency services. He is a past recipient of the IAFC President’s Award for Service, as well several community awards for service.

Mitchell joined FIRE CHIEF Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss his fire-service experience and address the economic hardships facing the nation’s fire chiefs. He shares the core lessons learned from his years of service, including the importance of leadership, business management, and working with government officials. He also provides his vision of where fire-service leaders should focus their efforts in 2012.