Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued the following press release.
The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) is pleased to announce the appointment of Reed Abraham as the State Fire Coordinator. Abraham will oversee the readiness and capability of over 800 fire departments across Mississippi, ensuring they are well-equipped to safeguard lives and property. He will oversee the fire safety education program and will administer the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program (RFTAAP), among other duties.
“I am delighted to appoint Reed to this crucial position within the State Fire Marshal’s Office,” said Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Reed’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Mississippi’s communities, combined with his extensive experience, makes him an excellent choice for this leadership role.”
Abraham joined the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) in July 2023 as the State Deputy Fire Coordinator. He succeeds Brad Smith who retired in June after more than 40 years of service. Abraham brings over 20 years of experience to the job. He began his career with the Bolivar County Volunteer Fire Department in 2000 and served until his retirement in 2023, as the County Deputy Fire Chief. He is a certified volunteer firefighter and fire instructor and is actively involved with the Mississippi Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Associations.
Before his tenure with the Fire Marshal’s Office, Abraham spent more than 15 years in higher education administration, fundraising, and marketing at both two- and four-year colleges in Mississippi. He holds both bachelor's and master’s degrees in business administration from Delta State University.
8 comments:
He might be well qualified, but it is Mississippi.
That's not a Fire Coordinator, that's a Fire Department Coordinator.
Well, the person that's going to be in charge of complex arson cases has a degree in business. Oh, wait, he's a volunteer fireman.
If buzzwords and Powerpoint presentations can put out fires then this could work out great!
Wait what he has spent the last 15 years raising money for colleges. What does he know about making sure fire departments are ready.
The announcement is an embellishment of the actual job...
Every county has a fire coordinator (usually a P/T position), it's required by law. This guy's job is to herd those 82 cats, no arson investigations or any response work. Most of the state is covered by VFD's but they aren't government entities. The counties contract with the VFD's and the local fire coordinator is the person who represents the country government when the VFD's or State need something. The law formally required that the FC's be members of a VFD, but somehow that requirement was removed.
Long story short.... when you buy that $10 chicken plate at the VFD fundraiser, it doesn't support the fire coordinators.
And it shouldn't! But that ten bucks does support their steak suppers, wives included, that you never know about - Which is fine. The city or county supply the equipment they need. Maybe not those huge barrel grills out back and the beer.
Move on - Nothing to see here. Just another example of favoritism gaining four high PERS years...assuming he already has some.
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