Chief Finley Begins as Charleston Fire Department Interim Chief

CHARLESTON, SC – March 5, 2012 – Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. confirmed today that Chief W. Franklin Finley, Jr. will be Interim Chief of the Charleston Fire Department following the retirement of Chief Thomas Carr on Friday, March 2.  Chief Finley joined the Charleston Fire Department in 1980 after serving in the navy and graduating from the College of Charleston.
 
During his 31 years with the Fire Department, he has worked his way from Firefighter to the rank of Battalion Chief.  In June of 2008, he was appointed Acting Deputy Chief and in February of 2009, he was promoted to the newly created position of Deputy of Administration under Chief Carr.
 
Mayor Riley said, “Chief Finley has an outstanding record of accomplishments and achievements during his dedicated career with the Charleston Fire Department. He has the respect of the members of the department and works diligently to make the department better every day. He is the best possible person to lead the department until a new Chief is selected.”
 
Chief Finley is married and has two sons, with the oldest being a third generation Firefighter with the City of Charleston. He is the proud grandfather of a granddaughter and grandson.
 
Chief Carr will continue as Chief Emeritus and will assist the city as an advisor on fire department matters.