Charleston chooses 1st woman as fire chief
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The deputy chief in an Oregon city is the first woman to be named fire chief in Charleston.
Karen E. Brack is expected to start in her new job Aug. 1 after moving from Eugene, Ore., where she’s deputy fire chief. She’ll make $137,000 a year.
Mayor Joe Riley announced Brack’s appointment Friday. He will ask the City Council to endorse Brack when it meets May 22.
The 55-year-old Brack has more than 30 years of experience in the fire service.
Brack was selected over three other finalists and a national pool of 61. She’ll take over a department that’s in the middle of an accreditation process, and will be responsible for leading fire crews on the peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, and Daniel Island.
