Rawlings-Blake Names Niles Ford New Fire Chief

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A career paramedic, firefighter and public administrator who is the former fire chief in Lincoln, Neb., has been selected to become Baltimore's next fire chief, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Monday.

Rawlings-Blake said she selected Niles Ford, 48, to lead an effort to continue reforming the city's fire department. Most recently, Ford served as city manager of Chamblee, Ga., managing the city's $14 million budget. Ford was fire chief in Lincoln, Neb., from 2007 to 2011, overseeing a $27 million budget.

Previously, Ford was Atlanta's deputy fire chief in the Fulton County fire department, which had a $36 million budget, according to Baltimore officials. He holds a doctoral degree in organization and management.

"In selecting Dr. Ford, I believe we have found a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of results," Rawlings-Blake in a written statement.

Former Baltimore Fire Chief James Clack announced his resignation in June, saying he wanted to return to Minnesota to be closer to family. He served as fire chief since 2008. Assistant Chief Jeffrey R. Segal has been acting fire chief since Clack left.

Ford's appointment must be approved by the City Council. If he is confirmed, he could begin work in January. He will be paid $165,000 for the first year.

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