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By FireRescue1 Staff

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Fire Department

Related Articles: Meet the Chief: Kelvin Cochran, Atlanta Fire Department Obama taps Atlanta chief for US fire administrator

WASHINGTON — Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran was confirmed Friday as U.S. Fire Administrator.

President Barack Obama nominated the former Shreveport, La., chief for the post last month, and it has now been ratified by the U.S. Senate.

Chief Cochran has 28 years of experience from firefighter to assistant chief training officer in Shreveport where he eventually became chief before moving to the Atlanta Fire Department last year.

As U.S. Fire Administrator, Chief Cochran will oversee, coordinate and direct national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response.

Chief Cochran said his priorities include reassessing and ensuring the effective use of firefighter grants and fostering a closer relationship between the federal government and local fire departments.

"As the Chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department as well as the former chief in Shreveport, Chief Cochran brings extensive experience to a critical position within our Agency and the Department of Homeland Security," FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said.

"The USFA plays a critical role in our efforts to mitigate, prepare, and respond to disasters and emergencies, and I look forward to working with Chief Cochran as we continue to build our national emergency response team."