SFD's Chief Cochran has been named the new Chief of Atlanta, Georgia FD. Chief is expected to begin his new post in January,  2008, and will head a department that covers 132 square miles within the City of Atlanta. The Atlanta Fire Department also provides mutual aid to neighboring counties upon request. The Department has 37 fire stations and 1,045 employees (sworn and non-sworn). The fire chief also has oversight for the Airport Fire Service, which has 208 employees and provides aircraft fire protection, structural fire protection, emergency medical services protection, and hazardous materials/special rescue response protection to the traveling public and employees of Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the world's busiest airport. The fire service also operates and oversees the largest automatic defibrillator program in the country.  Chief Cochran said, "It is an honor to have been appointed by Mayor Franklin to be the fire chief of the Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department. And went on to say, ?The men and women of Atlanta Fire-Rescue are some of the most recognized fire professionals in the United States. Together we will work to create further improve the public safety quality of life for Atlanta's residents and visitors."
    All the members of Signal 51 thank you Chief, for the interest and support you have given our organization over the years.  And we appreciate the great job you have done for the City of Shreveport and know you will do an outstanding job in Atlanta.
     Good luck, Kelvin and God bless you and your family.