MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor-elect Jim Strickland has named Gina Sweat as the new director of the Memphis Fire Department.
Sweat is currently a division chief and will be the first female fire director in the city of Memphis.
“Like a lot of little girls my age, I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a firefighter, because it just wasn’t something that little girls talked about back then,” Sweat said.
She has been with the Memphis Fire Department for 23 years and started at Fire Station #1. She started as a private, then driver, and moved her way up to headquarters.
“She is, without a doubt, the very best person for this job,” Strickland said.
Sweat said she is committed to recruiting and the department reflecting the makeup of the community.
Memphis Fire Fighters Association President Thomas Malone said he had heard Sweat was in the running for the position, but he did not know Strickland had officially chosen her. Malone said Sweat has worked her way up the ranks and is qualified. He said one of the challenges ahead of Sweat is improving morale in the department.
Her appointment, like others, requires City Council confirmation.
