“I’m eager to lead the Wichita Fire Department,” said Chief Blackwell, who attended an afternoon news conference at City Hall, 455 N. Main. “This is an exciting time for the department, especially given the plans to build three new fire stations and increase staff.”

Chief Blackwell will begin his job in October. Kolb appointed Blackwell after a nationwide search for a successor to outgoing Chief Larry Garcia, who is retiring after 20 years as chief and 50 years with the City.

“Ron has a distinguished record of community service and accomplishment in fire service.” Kolb said. “Of all the available candidates, he was the best choice and best fit for the job.”

During his nearly 23 years with the WFD, Blackwell volunteered for several civic and community organizations. He is a 1999 recipient of the Devore Foundation’s Excellence in Public Service Award.

In 1999, he became Deputy Fire Chief in Prince George’s County (Largo, Maryland) before serving as Fire Chief from, September 2001 to August 2004.

From August 2004 to December 2006, Blackwell served as Fire Chief in Anne Arundel County (Millersville, Maryland). Since December, he was Interim Executive Director of the International Association of Arson Investigators in Crofton, Maryland.

As Wichita Fire Chief, Blackwell will oversee 415 Fire staffers, manage a $33 million annual budget and earn $120,000 annually. The Mission of WFD is to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies and other disasters. Founded in 1886, WFD has demonstrated exceptional community value by providing emergency medical response, fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, public health services as well as internal and external customer service.

For more information about Chief Blackwell, the WFD annual budget and a rebroadcast of today’s announcement, please go to the links located in the right column. Rebroadcasts will soon be available on Cable Channel, City7.

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