Gregory B. Ward, a Baltimore City Fire Department veteran who has been named acting chief, said he?s already begun seeking solutions to problems that have beset the department.
Mayor Sheila Dixon Friday announced Ward as the temporary replacement for William J. Goodwin, who announced his resignation in November and is to leave Dec. 31.
Goodwin?s term had been marred by controversy over the February death of fire cadet Racheal Wilson during a botched training exercise and alleged cheating on promotional tests.
“I?m going to work hard and, hopefully, try to keep us off the front page for awhile,” 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, 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 when he resigned.
Friday, 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.
“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.
