27-year veteran sworn in as new Cleveland fire chief

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson swore in the new fire chief Friday afternoon.

Daryl W. McGinnis is a 27-year veteran of the Cleveland Division of Fire and was one of five applicants for the position.

"Chief McGinnis has a history of strong leadership and a clear vision of the future. Throughout his career he has championed inclusion, diversity, discipline and accountability and will work with the Department of Public Safety and the leadership of EMS to advance our goal of the integration of the Divisions of Fire and EMS," Jackson said.

McGinnis attended John F. Kennedy High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Florida A&M University.

He is a state of Ohio-certified fire inspector, incident safety officer, health and safety officer, and emergency medical technician.

 "We are very proficient at emergency scenes, but we have to transfer that proficiency and that passion that we work at emergencies to many of our administrator responsibilities. We have to sharpen our pencils a bit," McGinnis said.

After McGinnis took the oath of office, the Association of Cleveland Firefighters released this statement:

"The Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters has been advised Daryl McGinnis was appointed as Chief of the Division of Fire. While we look forward to establishing a good relationship with the new Chief, the Division of Fire is at a major crossroad.

"Presently, the Division is at the lowest staffing, both in terms of total and on duty strength, since prior to World War II. Moreover, to say fire apparatus and stations are in significant disrepair would be an understatement. Chief McGinnis certainly has his work cut out for him.

"An effective labor-management relationship is critical for the safety of both the fire fighters and the public. If the new Chief sees the Union as a partner, as opposed to an obstacle or impediment, we feel confident together we can realize the full potential of Cleveland Fire Fighters and consequently the Division of Fire."