LA County Swears In First Black Fire Chief
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Los Angeles County has its first black fire chief.
Daryl Osby was sworn in Thursday as leader of the 4,400-member department.
The 27-year veteran succeeds retiring Chief P. Michael Freeman, who headed the county Fire Department for 21 years.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca and District Attorney Steve Cooley were on hand for the historic ceremony.
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich lauded the selection of Osby for the top post.
"With his leadership skills and vast experience as a fire-fighting professional, I am confident he will continue the superb legacy of Chief P. Michael Freeman," Antonovich said.
Osby also was deployed to Louisiana for 18 days to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
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