"As the chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department as well as the former chief in Shreveport, La., Chief Cochran brings extensive experience to a critical position within our Agency and the Department of Homeland Security," said Fugate. "The USFA plays a critical role in our efforts to mitigate, prepare and respond to disasters and emergencies, and I look forward to working with Chief Cochran as we continue to build our national emergency response team."
Cochran has 28 years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.
Most recently, Cochran served as fire chief for the city of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, where he coordinated homeland security and emergency preparedness initiatives between the city and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and oversaw 35 fire stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Previously, he served in the Shreveport, La. fire department as a firefighter, assistant chief training officer and fire chief. Cochran also served as president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the 1st vice president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and vice chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).