2008-09-29 23:53:02 -

www.iaff.org - International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold A. Schaitberger today issued this statement in response to Charleston Mayor Joe Riley's decision to appoint Thomas Carr as the city's new fire chief:

"Mayor Riley's open and thorough process to find the next chief to lead the Charleston Fire Department deserves praise.

"His choice, Tom Carr, has

led a major fire department that at times had its own challenges to face, but he turned Montgomery County Fire and Rescue into a leader in the fire service. We look forward to working with Mayor Riley and Chief Carr in moving this great city and department to a new level of efficiency and professionalism in both safety and operations."

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 290,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation's population. More information is available at www.iaff.org.

International Association of Fire Fighters
Bill Glanz, 202-329-5856