New Birmingham fire chief, deputy & assistants sworn in

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham’s new fire chief was sworn in Monday. Cory Moon took the oath on Monday, February 3 at 10 a.m. at Bill Harris Arena.

His new administration also took the oath, including Deputy Fire Chief Julius Purifie, and Assistant Fire Chiefs Decimus Williamson, Matthew LaMonte, and Larry Brown.

The ceremony recognized the city’s interim fire chief, John Whitmer, and two other officers who are retiring. Whitmer and Raymond Williams, the interim deputy fire chief, retired on Friday, January 31. Donald Jones, assistant fire chief, will retire on Friday, February 14.

Following the ceremony, Interim Chief Whitmer, Interim Chief Williams and Chief Jones performed their ceremonial final radio transmission inside a fire truck parked in front of Bill Harris Arena.

“I ask that you all go home and check your smoke detectors. Check your families smoke detectors. Make sure everyone you know has a working smoke detector in their home. With your help, we can prevent these type of tragedies,” said Chief Moon.

Statistically, someone loses their life in a house fire every two and a half hours, according to the American Red Cross. Three people, including a toddler, have lost their lives in Birmingham over the last week.

Part of surviving a house fire is having a working smoke detector, which fire departments will install for free if you call your local department. It is also vital that you have a fire escape plan, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

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