The city of Phoenix has appointed its first new fire chief in 28 years. Assistant Chief Bob Khan, 47, has been promoted to the position -- a move that will effect following sitting Chief Alan Brunacini's June 30 retirement.
"It's an honor to be named the fire chief," Khan said. "It's humbling to follow in the footsteps of Chief Brunacini. I couldn't be more excited to be working with those Phoenix firefighters out there. They're a terrific group of characters and they do an outstanding job. From my perspective, it's the perfect place to be a fire chief."
The promotion follows a nationwide search for Brunacini's successor.
Khan, who has been with the Phoenix Fire Department since 1982, was promoted to assistant chief in 2001. He currently manages the Public Information and Education Section, Fire Investigations, Labor Relations and Personnel Services. He also has served as the liaison with the Phoenix Police Department, FBI and numerous local and national fire departments.
The Arizona native and longtime public face on regional fire issues will be taking over a department combating a surge in local population growth and response times that fall below the national average.
City Manager Frank Fairbanks deemed Khan a "proven leader" who would "help provide excellent services to our community."
Khan earned his bachelor of arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University, and is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government
