NOFD Interim Superintendent Roman Nelson appointed to post permenantly

New Orleans Fire Department Interim Superintendent Roman Nelson has been appointed to the post permanently, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced on Friday.

Nelson, who has been with the department for 23 years, has been an “integral part” of the city’s public safety team, Cantrell said at a press conference to announce the appointment.

Deputy NOPD Superintendent Roman Nelson takes the oath of office given by mayor LaToya Cantrell, while his fiance Tonya Izard holds a Bible, during a final walk ceremony for retiring Superintendent Tim McConnell at the Decatur Street main headquarters Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)

PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Nelson was picked to lead the department in late October, after the retirement of then-Superintendent Tim McConnell, who had been in charge of NOFD since 2013.

At the time, Cantrell said McConnell’s long-term replacement would be chosen after a search for candidates. But on Friday, she said she found “absolutely what the city continues to need” in Nelson.

More to come on this developing story.

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