Chief Ernest J. Mitchell, former chief of the Pasadena Fire Department and past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, has been nominated by President Obama to serve as the next Administrator of the United States Fire Administration. The nomination was announced via a written statement released from the White House. President made the announcement in a written statement issued today.

In his new role, Chief Mitchell will work within the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to help lead the nation’s efforts in fire and emergency services to prevent, prepare, and respond to fire disasters.

Chief Mitchell has more than thirty years of experience, with at more than a dozen years serving in administrative roles in California fire departments. He served as Fire Chief and Deputy City Manager of Monrovia, California from 1991 to 1998. He left Monrovia for the City of Pasadena, where he became Fire Chief and Assistant Director of Disaster Emergency Services until his retirement in 2004.

Chief Mitchell served as IAFC president in 2003-2004.  He currently serves on the International Association of Fire Fighters Hazardous Materials Advisory Board and the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board.  Mr. Mitchell holds an A.S. in fire science from Long Beach City College, a B.P.A. from the University of San Francisco and an M.P.A. from California State University at Northridge.

Mitchell’s nomination will be referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.  The nomination will not be addressed at the earliest until after the Senate reconvenes following its August recess.