When he was just 6 years old, Mark Pierce chased after the neighborhood firetrucks in Bromley, dreaming of the day he, too, could be a firefighter.
Now, after more than 20 years of experience, including the last five months leading the unit on an interim basis, he can officially say he is the chief of the Covington Fire Department.
“Good times are ahead for this city,” he told city officials Tuesday night in an emotional speech after being sworn in at their caucus meeting in front of friends and family. “I will not let you down.”
After a national search that produced four finalists, Pierce was chosen for his experience and his vision for the future of the department. In February, the city advertised for the position, which came with a salary of $93,000-$108,000.