February 12, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2001-13) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (334) 208-5806/Fax: (334) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@ci.mobile.al.us MOBILE FIRE CHIEF MAKES HIGH LEVEL PROMOTIONS Mobile Fire Chief Stephen A. Dean announced the promotion of a new Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and 5 Firefighter-Drivers Monday, February 12, 2001. The promotions were made at approximately 9:30 a.m. in promotion ceremonies held at the Central Fire Station downtown. Dean promoted Michael O. Byrd, to the position of Assistant Fire Chief. Byrd, 49, joined the department December 1, 1973 and has served over 27 years. Byrd was hired as a firefighter from 1973 until 1975. In 1975 he was promoted to Firefighter-Driver. In 1981 he was promoted to Fire Captain and served in that position until 1986 when he was promoted to District Fire Chief. While District Fire Chief Byrd was assigned to various duties including Training Officer, Division Chief for Emergency Medical Services and Communications as well as in the field as Fire Ground Commander. In 1995 he was promoted Deputy Fire Chief and served as Chief of Field Operations, Administrative Services and Personnel and Administration. Byrd graduated from Bishop State Community College in 1987 with an AAS Degree in Fire Services Management. In 1992 he received his BPS Degree from Memphis State University with a major in Fire Service Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Being Listed on the President's List every semester. In 1993 Byrd completed the 4-year Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. To fill the Deputy Fire Chief vacancy left with Byrd's promotion; Dean promoted William "Billy" A. Pappas. Pappas, 44, joined the department April 1, 1980 and has served over 20 years. Pappas was hired as a Firemedic from 1980 until 1986. In 1986 he was promoted to Acting Firemedic Training Officer where he served until 1988 when he was promoted to Captain and officially made Firemedic Training Officer. Pappas served in that position until 1991 when he was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief. In 1992 his position was changed to the title of Fire Administrator where he has served until this time. His responsibilities have included research, planning, budgeting, information systems, procurement and general administration of Fire and Emergency Services. Pappas graduated from the University of South Alabama's Paramedic program in 1979. He graduated from the University of South Alabama Department of Adult Interdisciplinary Studies in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Sciences and Training. He was awarded his Master Degree in Public Administration in December of 1994 from the University of South Alabama's Graduate School. Pappas was chosen for Leadership Mobile and was in the class of 1996. He has received several awards for his Emergency Medical Services work including the Dr. Robert Ramsey Memorial Award for Outstanding contributions to EMS in 1988 and 1992. In 1984 he was selected as Paramedic of the Year by Southwest Alabama Region EMS. Pappas will be in charge of Administrative Services. There were 6 Firefighter-Drivers positions filled as well. Those promoted to the position of FirefighterDriver were: Firefighter T.M Sessions - 5 year veteran Firefighter J.M. Kanzigg - 5 year veteran Firefighter M.O. James - 5 year veteran Firefighter H.L. Smith - 3 year veteran Firefighter R.P. Harris - 3 year veteran ###