Carr chosen for helmMontgomery County, Md., fire chief would be returning to roots The Post and Courier
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A city native who runs a fire department 10 times the size of Charleston's was nominated to become the next fire chief Monday by Mayor Joe Riley and was warmly received by city firefighters and elected officials alike. If confirmed by City Council, as expected, 54-year-old Thomas Carr Jr. will leave a department with a $195 million annual budget in order to take the helm in Charleston. 
Brad Nettles Montgomery County, Md., Fire Chief Thomas Carr Jr. (right) talks with Capt. Troy Williams (from left), Capt. Terry Hess and Assistant Engineer Zsolt Szoke on Monday at the Coming Street Fire Station after being nominated to command the Charleston Fire Department. He will likely take command in November and oversee the dramatic, ongoing changes in the Fire Department that began after the tragic 2007 Sofa Super Store fire. Carr is chief of Montgomery County (Md.) Fire and Rescue Service, where he began his career in 1978 as a paramedic and firefighter. A gravelly-voiced man with a classic firefighter's mustache, Carr's appearance at the mayor's side in City Hall put to rest weeks of speculation. "We've got a lot of work to do and the right leader to do it," Riley said after his announcement, which was broadcast to city fire stations. Carr was selected from 141 nationwide applicants. He participated in an unprecedented interview process with six other finalists last week in which they were introduced to and vetted by City Council, firefighters and neighborhood leaders. A confirmation vote is scheduled Oct. 7 by City Council. "I am confident that council's reaction will be — mine is — that we will have the best fire chief in America," said Riley, using a phrase he had frequently used to describe former Fire Chief Rusty Thomas. Thomas, embattled in the wake of the sofa store fire, retired this summer. Previous storyFire chief decision in Riley's court, published 09/24/08 "I would have been happy with some of the others, but I'm very happy with Chief Carr," said Councilwoman Yvonne Evans, chairwoman of council's Public Safety Committee. "I think the city is ready, and the Fire Department is ready, to move on." City Council had pressed for a greater role in selecting the chief, and members were pleased with the decision to reveal the finalists and bring them in for meetings and one-on-one interviews with the Public Safety Committee. Councilman Jimmy Gallant, who resigned from that committee earlier this year to protest a lack of input, hugged Riley on Monday and thanked him for the role council was given. "I appreciate you for doing this," Gallant told the mayor. Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.Carr would take command of a department still recovering from the nation's worst loss of firefighter lives since the 9/11 terror attacks. The June 2007 blaze at the Sofa Super Store on Savannah Highway in West Ashley killed nine firefighters. The deaths exposed Fire Department failings, including questionable tactics and outdated equipment. The city has been implementing sweeping recommendations from a team of fire service professionals hired as consultants, from expensive purchases of new equipment to new training procedures. "I think it's too early to say if those were Band-Aids or permanent solutions," Carr said during an interview after his nomination was announced. "If change is needed, we'll institutionalize what's good and go from there," he said. A tale of two fire departmentsCharleston -- Montgomery County, Md. Budget -- $17.9 million -- $195 million Chief's salary -- $135,000 -- $212,651 Firefighters -- 240 -- 2,200 (career and volunteer) Stations -- 19 -- 35 Coverage area -- 110 square miles -- 500 square miles Population -- 110,000 -- 973,000 Annual calls -- 9,611 -- 100,000 Gordon Routley, head of the consulting panel, said he made no secret of his support for Carr. "For Charleston, it's an absolute coup to get someone of his caliber," Routley said. Carr has a reputation as a chief who can implement change and bring different groups together without appearing to force his will, Routley said. Carr said he makes a practice of holding one-on-one meetings with firefighters, and always responds to lowest-ranking firefighters first when answering his e-mail. Evans described Carr as a quiet, fatherly leader, and Riley several times described him as a "gentle man." In Montgomery County, Carr is known for creating an urban search and rescue program that's considered a national model, along with wellness initiatives and a focus on incident command. Charleston City Councilman Aubry Alexander said Carr was among his top three choices. "You couldn't lose in this one," Alexander said. "Any one of these guys could have brought a lot to the Fire Department. "I was getting a lot of e-mails from firemen, present and retired, who were pushing for Chief Carr," Alexander said. Firefighters, dozens of whom attended the press conference, applauded Carr's selection. "Chief Carr represents the type of change in leadership we have needed for a long time," Capt. Jamie Greene said. "Today is a day we have been looking forward to," said Bill Haigler, an engineer at Station 20 in Cainhoy and member of the local firefighters' union. "We've got someone who is going to steer the ship now." Carr, who is married and has a teenage daughter at home, was born in Charleston and his parents live downtown. He said a desire to be closer to his parents played a role in his decision to accept the job. Fire Chief magazine Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth said Charleston can expect a noticeable difference with Carr. "He's incredible, and the people who work for him, I have yet to meet anyone who is not crazy about him," she said. Acting Charleston Fire Chief Ronald Classen plans to retire when the new chief arrives. Classen said he first met Carr when he and other commanders from the Charleston Fire Department visited Carr's department in Maryland in the wake of the sofa store blaze to attend advanced fire training. "I'm glad they picked Chief Carr," Classen said. "He knows everything there is to know about the fire service." Glenn Smith contributed to this report. Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com. Reach Ron Menchaca at rmenchaca@post andcourier.com or 937-5724. |
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Comments
This article has 27 comment(s)
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Posted by moonpie on September 30, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well thats nice. And its over now. Lets move forward.
Posted by DoaMM on September 30, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed, moonpie.
Posted by Hatton on September 30, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think you have to worry about him being a yes man. He is well educated and doesn't need this job. He is in it for the firefighters. Ole Lil Joe screwed up this time if he wanted a yes man. He will make this whole area better
Posted by DoaMM on September 30, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope you're right, Hatton. Joe has a history of denying things to people who balk his opinion/wishes.
We'll see...
Posted by ccfirefighterchick on September 30, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DoaMM, if Joe denies Carr and the fire department anything, he will be making one of the biggest mistakes of his life. That will be the nail that seals it for him.
Good Luck, Chief Carr! Charleston needs a chief that can make change happen and bring the fire department into this century.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on September 30, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Glenn-It's called a public safety stache.LOL
Posted by prosperous_hb on September 30, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fire chief's make good money. I'm changing my career.
Posted by MsBehavin on September 30, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carr looks much older than 54. In the article, he's described as a quiet, fatherly leader, and "gentle man." Hope he can keep up...Will he need to go over to The Citadel for afternoon naps?
Posted by Tammie on September 30, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish him well.
Posted by Fire101 on September 30, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With Chief Carr being officially introduced, it will be interesting in seeing how well this decision works out for the City of Charleston. Some major changes should be expected in the near future, with the first being his famous "no tobacco usage whether on-duty or off-duty" which should be extremely well received.
Posted by follyb on September 30, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fire101...
Really? He can tell firefighters what they can do even when they are off-duty?
Posted by charleston1960 on September 30, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does it really matter if Joe messes this up? Does it really matter if Joe messes anything up?
The foolish voters in the city of Charleston keep voting this relic in each time his tenure is closing. They keep voting a man in that has squandered millions in city tax dollars. Mariners Center, Aquarium, James Island lawsuits…and then after his last election, raised their taxes once again! Go Joe! No, seriously, just go!
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on September 30, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes he can tell them they cannot use tobacco off duty. The city has to provide them a means of getting off the tobacco though.
Myrtle Beach did it a few years ago.
As long as the city gives them the means of getting off the tobacco then they can do it all they want.
Posted by palmettoruckus on September 30, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can they tell them to eat kosher also? How about forcing them to observe Lent and Ramadan?
Posted by carolinapanther on September 30, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
City of Pensacola also forced all firefighters to stop the use of tobacco while on or off duty.
Posted by frenchsmom on September 30, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carr was who our family was pulling for. I don't think the city will be dissapointed and hopefully everyone can find something new to bitch about.
Posted by bootlicked on September 30, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Frenchsmom: You act like we haven't had good reasons to complain. Didn't you support Rusty? Carr is a good choice and thank god the CFD will have a real professional to lead them now. Hopefully Riley will let him get the money and support he needs to turn the CFD into a professional organization that the men and women deserve. Don't worry Mrs.French it isn't over for those that were in charge.
Posted by carolinapanther on September 30, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fireman always find something to complain about!
Posted by bootlicked on September 30, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Panther: And what is it that you are doing? What do you do for a living?
Posted by JohnS on September 30, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The difference between a puppy and a
CoC union firemen. The puppy quits whining after awhile. .
Posted by bootlicked on September 30, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope JohnS lives in the city so he can help foot the bill for the "new" fire dept. If you can't pee with the big dogs stay out of the tall grass.
Posted by firemand2 on September 30, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hate to see Chief Carr leave us here in Montgomery County, MD. Charleston, give him some elbow room...you'll be glad you did.
Posted by JohnS on September 30, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bootlicked I'll be glad to pay alot more city of Charleston tax just to shut some of you fellows up. Always calling the radio station talking bad about the chief. Don't worry your doublewide in Moncks Corner won't have to pay for the new Dept.
Posted by bootlicked on September 30, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Doublewide ? Moncks Corner ? You got me ! Stop by the nearest station and tell them how you feel I'm sure they will like what you have to say.
Posted by frenchsmom on October 1, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, I supported Rusty Thomas! He couldn't just reach in his pocket and pull out funds to upgrade the much needed equipment, that was up to the city. I'd still support him. My main fault was that he put his trust in Garvin as AC and incident commander. But I am very pleased that the Dept. will have a new leader that has proven himself and not one of the inner circle who just happened to be up for promotion. The doublewide in MC could be mine, the one that my daughter in law so graciously bought for me because she thought that's what my son would have wanted. But I'd give it up in a minute to have my child back. If I did live in Chas, which is where I was born and raised for most of my life, I'd gladly do whatever it took to make it a safer place for our emegency personnel.
Posted by frenchsmom on October 1, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JohnS how are you so aware of what the families in MC have obtained? If you live in Charleston are you doing drive bys in MC? If you live here what happens in Chas. is out of your control too isn't it? Bootlick I never said there wasn't reason to complain, I would just like to see the focus on all areas of failure, like the fact that the City Inspector had not inspected the store since 1998. I can't complain about officials that I didn't vote in but I can make sure that changes are made at a State level that will make these officials more accountable and one single person won't be the fall guy. I pray that you're right about it not being over for all at fault.
Posted by bootlicked on October 1, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It hasn't really even started for those at fault and it is sad but Rusty should have left his trust in the people under him because they had more experience. Rusty should have never been the Chief of the CFD. Hope all is well with you and your family but RT is definitely one that should and is going to pay. Its on record that RT pretty much got everything that he had asked for. He didn't think anyone needed all of the silly training that all of the other fd's receieved. He is as much or more at fault than everyone else involved. Don't worry one single person isn't going to be the fall guy. Rusty isn't the fall guy he is just a victim of his own ignorance.