Timothy A. McConnell was named the New Orleans Fire Department's new Superintendent in a press conference held at City Hall on Wednesday.
McConnell, a 29-year veteran of the department, is the NOFD's eleventh superintendent since its founding as a modern firefighting organization in December 1891. McConnell joined the department in 1984 as a 22-year-old, according to information provided by the city, and rose through the ranks quickly.
"Chief McConnell has earned respect as a true public servant and I have 100 percent confidence in his ability to lead the city’s Fire Department," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "We should all be proud to see a native New Orleanian, who has committed nearly three decades of service, stand tall and rise to leadership.”
McConnell, as Assistant Superintendent in charge of the Suppression and Logistics Divisions of the NOFD, directed the rebuilding of 20 fire stations damaged after Hurricane Katrina. He also served as the Incident Commander for Super Bowl XLVII.
"I am both humbled and honored that Mayor Landrieu has chosen me to lead this proud and storied fire department," McConnell said. "I could not be more proud than to have helped guide the City through Katrina, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead the New Orleans Fire Department in becoming the model first responder agency for the 21st Century."
Forty candidates applied for the NOFD Superintendent position.
Watch the video of the announcement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJR7c-ENvXs&feature=share&list=UUDwlfIrMROhiNNSMcVwKMAQ