An interim Ohio fire chief was named to the position permanently Tuesday.
Jeffrey Happ, 55, was appointed to interim chief of the Columbus Division of Fire in May after the retirement of then-Chief Kevin O'Connor. A national search was conducted, and Happ was officially appointed to the post, but he will be sworn in at a later date.
"I have faith in Chief Happ and his ability," said Mayor Andrew Ginther, who described Happ as a "transformational leader," according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Happ has served in a variety of roles—including lieutenant, captain and battalion chief—since joining the department in 1993. A graduate of Miami University, he also is a certified Ohio Peace Officer for Homeland Security, specializing in explosives and incendiary devices.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead this great division of proud, professional paramedics and firefighters," said Happ, according to WOSU-FM. "I accept and understand the charge you have given me.”
