Baltimore City?s acting fire chief of four days said he?s begun seeking solutions to problems that plagued the department during his predecessor?s tenure.
Mayor Sheila Dixon on Friday named Gregory Ward as the temporary replacement of William Goodwin, who announced his resignation in November and is to leave Dec. 31.
Goodwin?s term had been marred by controversy, including the February death of fire cadet Racheal Wilson during a botched training exercise, the death of a firefighter in an October 2006 rowhouse blaze and alleged cheating on promotional tests.
Ward said “basics” like proper preparation and proper tools could have prevented the incidents.
“I?m going to work hard and, hopefully, try to keep us off the front page for a while,” Ward said.
“I?ve really been taking a hard look to see if we?re not missing anything leading up to these tragedies.”
Dixon?s office has launched a nationwide search for a permanent chief, and Ward, now deputy chief of administration, said he has applied.
Candidates will be interviewed by a six-member panel, with finalists forwarded to Dixon for ultimate selection, her office said.
Members of the firefighter?s union in the spring cast a vote of no confidence in Goodwin, who cited the stress of the past year and his wife?s health when he resigned.
This week, union officials applauded Dixon?s choice of Ward, a 30-year veteran of the department. But some said they hope she selects a permanent replacement from outside Baltimore City.
“I believe there?s a culture that needs to be changed within the Baltimore City Fire Department, and I do not think those present today are willing to change that culture,” said Henry Burris, president of the Vulcan Blazers, a black firefighters group.
With one exception, the city has historically chosen to promote fire chiefs internally, said city fire officers union president Steve
Fugate.
The union is looking forward to working with Ward, Fugate said, but internal promotions often lead to a “housecleaning” of ranking officers based on personal
relationships.
“We?re looking to turn a new leaf here,” Fugate said. “I would hate to see an internal promotion result in a sort of ?clearing of the bench.? ”
