City Managing Director Appoints Lloyd Ayers to Acting Fire Commissioner
07/30/2004
Office of the Managing Director: Philip R. Goldsmith, Director
Room 1430, Municipal Services Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-3480
Fax: (215) 686-3479
www.phila.gov
Contact: Luz Cárdenas, (215) 686-6210
PHILADELPHIA -With the approval of Mayor John F. Street, City Managing Director Philip R. Goldsmith today announced the appointment of Lloyd Ayers to Acting Fire Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia. Ayers' was charged with the management of its 2,400-member uniform force and all the operations of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
"Lloyd Ayers has had one of the longest and most distinguished careers in our Fire Department," said Mayor John F. Street. "He has risen through the ranks and served the Fire Department and the citizenry of our city with true professionalism, commitment and dedication. I am confident he will be up to the challenge of directing the Fire Department."
"It is with great pleasure we appoint Lloyd Ayers to acting commissioner for the Fire Department," said Managing Director, Philip Goldsmith. "Lloyd has an outstanding operational background and great communication and leadership skills. I am certain he will lead the Fire Department in the fine tradition of excellence that has ensured the protection of the people of Philadelphia." Ayers, 52, began his career with the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1974, and has since served in a variety of positions ranging from lieutenant to deputy commissioner. He most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of Operations since July 2001, and managed the activities of the Philadelphia Fire Academy, Fire Fighting Forces Divisions 1 and 2, the Aviation and Marine Units and the Safety Office. Prior to that, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Technical Services in April 2000, and was responsible for oversight of the Fire Marshall's Office, Hazardous Materials Administration, the Fire Prevention and Fire Code units and other critical service functions. Ayres earned a Master of Human Services Degree from Lincoln University in May 2004. He is a graduate and associate of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute at Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana and has completed additional course work at the National Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Ayer replaces outbound Commissioner Harold Hairston who has retired.
"We thank Harold for his 40 years of service to the city and his outstanding leadership of the Fire Department. His track record of developing programs that have saved the lives of countless Philadelphians speaks for itself. We are proud to have had the opportunity to benefit from his expertise and experience and we wish him a long and healthy retirement," added Goldsmith.
A native of Philadelphia, Ayers resides in Andorra with his wife Annette. They have six children: Maurice, Sheryce, Oscar, Sheree, Shakira and Jenne.
Official Website of the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD)
