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News Release for Immediate Release Mayor Appoints Adrian Thompson to Head Fire/EMS Department(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced today that he has appointed Adrian Thompson the acting Chief of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS). Chief Thompson has served as the interim DC Fire/EMS Chief since June. Chief Thompson is a District native and a 32-year veteran of the DC Fire/EMS Department. He began his career in 1970 and rose through the ranks from firefighter to sergeant in 1980, to lieutenant in 1983, to Captain in 1993, to Battalion Fire Chief in 1995, and to Deputy Chief in 1999. He also served as Assistant Director of the Physical Capability Testing Program in 1988-1989. In April 2001, then-Chief Ronnie Few appointed Chief Thompson to the post of Assistant Chief of Operations. In that capacity, Chief Thompson was responsible for fire suppression, support services, and general oversight of all operations. “After a nationwide search, I have made the determination that Adrian Thompson is the best person for the job of DC Fire/EMS Chief,” said Mayor Williams. “He did a terrific job as acting chief since June; and he is a dedicated, capable, and loyal leader in the department, who has served this city well for more than three decades. While there has been much progress in the department in recent years, there are many significant challenges still ahead. Chief Thompson is the right person to continue to move the department forward.” Chief Thompson noted that he is “honored to have been chosen to serve the citizens of the District of Columbia in this new capacity.” Among his top priorities, Chief Thompson identified training needs for front line employees and management, continuing improvements in the response time for advanced life support, fire prevention programs, and special operations. Chief Thompson reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the employees of the department stating, “these women and men are some of the finest firefighters and emergency medical professionals in the country. They need and deserve state-of-the-art equipment and apparatus and rigorous training, if they are going to protect the Nation’s Capital in these challenging times.” Chief Thompson will assume the position of acting Chief effective immediately. His appointment is subject to DC Council confirmation. |
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