Austin's newest Fire Chief Joel Baker formerly of Atlanta Fire, has the full support of the Austin Fire Fighters Association.
Association President, Bob Nicks said this could bring the leadership changes his members have been hoping for. "I am very encouraged with what I've learned about him so far," he continued, "I think he's going to articulate a clear image and make the right moves to fix some of our morale issues."
However if not, Nicks added he is ready to do his job as the union's president, and make his memberships concerns known.
Under Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr's leadership, Nick said the department suffered because there was a separation between the rank and file and the command staff.