The City of Reno will soon have a permanent fire chief in place. For the latest update on this week's city council meeting, we turn to Reno Public Radio's Noah Glick.
During the meeting, Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger recommended Acting Fire Chief Dave Cochran for the permanent post. Cochran started in August. Since then, he's modified labor contracts, hired new firefighters and negotiated an automatic aid agreement, which requires the nearest unit to respond to a report of a fire, regardless of jurisdiction.
All these things, says Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus, makes the decision easier.
“I think it really speaks to the strength of our fire department that has had real ups and downs, that we have the leadership that can come up through the ranks.”
Cochran cannot be appointed until the city council reconvenes next month. An official confirmation seems likely though, based on the unanimous support from city council.
“I’ll hold my ‘Welcome to the team,’ until we actually welcome you to the team,” says Naomi Duerr, “But thank you so much for stepping forward into what is a very difficult and high profile job.”
Cochran has been with the Reno Fire Department for 17 years.
